The newly debuted Jgame collection offers chic court-ready looks in eco-conscious, recycled fabrics.
As a longtime on-air reporter, Hamptonite and avid tennis player, Jackie Meretsky is deeply committed to her community—and the game. Enter the launch of Jgame (jgamenyc.com), her NYC-based, Hamptons-inspired sustainable tenniswear brand that offers court-ready chicness in eco-conscious, recycled fabrics. We volleyed with Meretsky to find out how she is serving sustainable style.
What inspired you to launch the line? I always knew that I wanted to do something that combined my love of tennis with my passion for New York City. I have been playing tennis since I was a kid and have cycled through many different styles of tenniswear over the years! At this stage of my life, my wardrobe has taken on a ‘less is more’ approach—I want timeless styles that are simple, refined and chic, and that includes my tenniswear. With the recent explosion of tennis’ popularity and finally having a timing window that worked with my family, I decided to take a leap of faith in myself and create Jgame. Deciding to manufacture in NYC was a no-brainer for me. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to move to New York to pursue my broadcasting career many moons ago, and I finally had an opportunity to give back to the city that took a chance on me!
Hamptonite and Jgame founder Jackie Meretsky
How did you feel that there was a void in the market for a collection like this? Tenniswear is not haute couture. We are limited in design by the functional and technical aspects of the clothing. Jgame is not reinventing the design wheel but rather doing something diff erent in regard to sustainability. There are many great tenniswear brands, but I haven’t come across a brand that both uses sustainable fabrics and manufactures in the USA. Sustainability is a moving target and we aren’t perfect, but Jgame is on the right path and it’s part of what makes us stand out.
How did the Hamptons inspire the collection? I have been so fortunate to spend so many summers in the Hamptons. I have formed wonderful friendships there—most of which started on the tennis court. It is an incredible stretch of land that comes alive in the summer with the most beautiful color palette. I was inspired by the mesmerizing blue-gray hues of the Atlantic and the lush landscape with hydrangeas for miles. When I chose the periwinkle blue recycled fabric for the tennis dress, it reminded me of the blue hydrangeas that grace the front yards of so many homes—especially in Bridgehampton, hence the color of Jgame’s dress Bridgehampton Blue. The other names for the collection flowed as easily as the Whispering Angel does all summer long!
The Hamptons-inspired collection comes in summer shades like Wainscott White, Mecox Mint and Sag Harbor Navy
What are some of your favorite looks in the collection? I am typically not a print person, but I am obsessed with the navy and midnight croc skirt and top. It’s a tone-on-tone print so it is subtle but it pops on the court. I haven’t seen any other tennis brands do croc, and it gives the collection some edge. The Mecox Mint top and skirt are so fresh and look gorgeous on everyone that has tried them on. It is a color that I would never think of in my off -court wardrobe, but for tenniswear it is amazing and unique. The Dunes tennis dress is definitely a staple for me because of its simple slight A-line design and comfort. WTA tennis star Corinna Dentoni recently wore it in Antigua, and it complemented her toned olive-skin physique perfectly.
Jgame’s Gansett sleeveless top and Southampton tennis skirt in Vacation Violet
What are some of your other on-court essentials? If I’m playing outdoors, I bring two cans of spray sunscreen because somebody always needs to borrow some. I love the Sun Bum continuous sunscreen spray for the body, and for the face I am obsessed with the Supergoop! unseen sunscreen. It’s clear so you don’t end up looking like a White Walker from Game of Thrones. I also bring two visors to each match because one usually ends up getting sweaty and I have to switch it out. I am currently working on a sustainable Jgame visor, which will be made out of recycled PET and organic cotton—coming soon! Hydration is also essential, especially for those long grinder matches in the hot sun. I bring BioSteel hydration mix packets to dispense in my water bottle to give me the electrolyte boost I need. They are sugar free, and I love the mixed berry flavor.
Photography by: PHOTOS COURTESY OF JACKIE MERETSKY
