Looking for old style fonts for an upcoming project? Check out these terrific retro fonts from Envato Elements. For one low monthly fee, this subscription-based marketplace offers tons of fonts, logos, graphic templates, add-ons, and more.
What Is the Old Style Serif Typeface Classification?
So what is the Old Style serif type classification—or what is a type classification at all? Think of it as a means of sorting type into different "types". For example, fonts are often broadly categorized as serifs or sans serifs, as a means of describing parts of their design.
If you're new to type classification, check out our free video course. It's a wonderful place to start for beginners, and a worthwhile refresher for experienced designers.
There's more to type classification than serifs vs. sans serifs. For example, there are many different classifications for serif typefaces. Old Style is one of those classifications. As an example, let's compare two different serif type classifications: Old Style and Didone.
Both of these typefaces have serifs—the extended lines at the end of the font's stroke. However, they are each visually quite different. In the Didones, we see a straight serif. In the Old Style type, we see a more tapered serif that looks more like a wedge. Notice the difference in the strokes too. Old Style serif fonts lack the stark contrast that we see in Didones. We'll often see more of a tilt in the type's axis, as well.
Old Style serif fonts have a beautiful, timeless aesthetic that can work in a wide variety of design situations. Some popular Old Style fonts include Garamond, Goudy, Palatino, and Minion. Modern fonts often draw inspiration from Old Style typefaces (as well as the Transitionals, where you'd see fonts like Times New Roman). There's something very classy about serif type—it's not uncommon to see them in newspapers, magazines, and in the interior of your favorite book.
Stylish Old Style Serif Fonts From Envato Elements
Let's take a look at some of the beautiful serif fonts over on Envato Elements. Many of them are very clearly inspired by Old Style serif fonts, while others take hints from the Old Style serif aesthetic. Regardless of the approach, they are an elegant addition to any font library. Enjoy the type inspiration or consider adding one of these fonts to your collection today.
1. Artifex: Smooth Old Timey Fonts (OTF)
Artifex: Smooth Old Timey Fonts is a versatile and stylish addition to any font collection. This font download also includes eight different weights, making it a perfect fit for a wide variety of design situations.
2. Wensley: Modern Old Fashioned Fonts (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
Isn't Wensley: Modern Old Fashioned Fonts classy? Pair it with your photography, use it in your next magazine design, or use it to set copy in your next layout design. It's a modern take on a classic Old Style typeface.
3. Carra Retro Font Family Pack (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
Here's another font family to check out. Carra Retro Font Family Pack includes multiple weights, which makes it a great Old Style font example for your font library. It works great at larger sizes, but could work well as body copy too.
4. Quixote Classic Serif Old Style Font (OTF, TTF, Web Fonts)
This typeface deviates from what we'd expect from Old Style fonts, but we can see a little inspiration here too. That's part of the beauty of type design—we can take from more than one influence to come up with something awesome.
5. Eadita Luxury Old Style Serif Font Family ( TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
Aren't the serifs on this font visually interesting? This luxury Old Style serif makes for an elegant aesthetic, perfect for a number of design projects. Download this one today.
6. Moisses: Creative Old Style Typeface Example (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
Check out this stylish typeface. The "M" here creates a lot of visual interest. This font family also includes multiple weights for your experimentation. If you're looking for something different, give this Old Style typeface example a look.
7. Earning: Bold Old Style Font (OTF, TTF)
This font is bold, and we don't need the imagery here to clearly associate this one with business. Try this Old Style font out in a headline or title in your next design project.
8. Saint Capital: Timeless Font in Old Style (OTF, TTF)
Beautiful and versatile—that describes this lovely font in Old Style. It would be a lovely fit for a number of book projects. It has the perfect readability for both large and smaller type treatments.
9. Aara Top-Class Old Fashion Fonts (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
There's a slight variation in the strokes of this font that makes it stand out from the others. Less is often more; those slight tweaks make an impact when you give this typeface a try.
10. Gorgone Versatile Old English Font (OTF, TTF)
Gorgone Versatile Old English Font is a little less old style; we have a lot more contrast here, but notice the more wedge-like serifs. This interesting font would be a beautiful addition to high-end product design and packaging.
11. Nue Syierift: Playful Old Fashion Fonts (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
Now here's an interesting Old Style font example with some beautiful alternates. The beautiful swashes and curls added to Nue Syierift: Playful Old Fashion Fonts give it an extra stroke of elegance.
12. Bearmen Impressive Old English Font (OTF, TTF)
Bearmen Impressive Old English Font pushes the curve of the serif wedge even further. The slight organic quality of the strokes also lends to the overall aesthetic here. Use this one for a wide variety of design projects.
13. Denish Sans & Serif Duo Old Font Family (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
This is a great font download because you get a two-in-one pack. Denish Sans & Serif Duo Old Font Family font duo includes a lovely serif font and a matching sans serif font, too. No need to figure out what would be a good match—they were designed for each other.
14. Thomas Mag Exciting Old Timey Fonts (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
Isn't the crossbar in the upper-case "A" here visually interesting? Additions and variations like the ones in Thomas Mag Exciting Old Timey Fonts make it a fun and valuable addition to any font library. Use this font in Old Style at large sizes or small.
15. Quatera Beautiful Old Fashioned Fonts (OTF, TTF)
Here's an elegant typeface that employs beautiful swashes and curls. It really is a lovely pair with a classic serif, isn't it? Use this display typeface for logo design, headlines, and more.
16. Hyogo Fresh 90s Fonts (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
This is a classic font choice. Try out the two included widths to help create hierarchy in your next design. It's clean, versatile, and has plenty of possibility. Give this font a look today.
17. Hughe: Old Time Fonts (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
This old-time font would be a great fit for photography, but it looks elegant on a page on its own too. It also comes with five different weights, so there's plenty to work with here.
18. Bodikago: Sophisticated Old Style Serif Font (OTF, TTF)
If you're looking for an elegant, modern take on an Old Style serif font, give this one a look. There's a touch of vintage elegance here and some nods to the Didones, while also keying into some classic serif aesthetics.
19. Thomas Craft: Sharp Old Style Typeface (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
This Old Style typeface has so many possibilities. There's more dramatic contrast in this one than in many of the other fonts we've looked at. It would prove to be a great addition to any font library.
20. Faraz: Stylish 90s Fonts (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
There's something so elegant about well-designed type, isn't there? Faraz is an awesome Old Style font example. Use it in a variety of design projects in its round, regular, and outline variations.
21. Legalitere High-Class Serif Old Style Font (OTF, TTF)
There are stylish extras at the end of many of these beautifully designed letterforms. Check out the included ligatures and alternates to craft beautiful headlines, logos, and more. It truly is a high-class serif Old Style font.
22. Karoll Serif Old Style Font Inspiration (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
If you're looking for a versatile font that can fill many roles, consider this serif Old Style font. Choose from light, round, and bold styles with this font download. It also includes web font files for your convenience.
23. Sondra: Distinguished Old Style Typeface Example (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
This classy serif font family includes six different weights. It's a great fit for classy headlines and logos, but also works well for body copy and other supplemental type. Give this one a look.
24. Walking Broadway Vintage Old Style Font (TTF, OTF)
Give your text an Art Deco and roaring 20s vibe with Walking Broadway, a striking Old Style font. Its details will transport you and your audience to a different time, when glamor, luxury, precision, and dynamism were the watchwords.
25. Christopher Wells Aesthetic Font in Old Style (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
Here's another font with some stylish alternates. These little decorative twists add a lot of extra character and personality to this aesthetic font in Old Style. This one is definitely worth a look.
26. Old Typewriter Font (OTF)
Looking for a stylish old typewriter font that can fill a wide variety of roles in your next composition? This versatile typeface can be used for posters, newspapers, headlines, magazines, and more.
27. Magreb: Exquisite Old Style Typeface (OTF)
As the image states, the Magreb Old Style typeface is smooth and exquisite. You can see how the letters flow into each other thanks to the curvy serif, a staple of the Old Style fonts.
28. Restora: Refined Vintage Fonts (OTF)
Let's say you love refined and minimalist typography. But let's also imagine that you still like a little bit of flair in your writing. Restora is a mix of an Old Style font example and a Roman serif font, and it will offer the perfect balance of what you're searching for.
29. Golden Metafor: Eye-Catching Serif Old Style Font (OTF)
The Golden Metafor serif Old Style font has an artistic, vintage vibe that could work well for a number of creative projects, movies, logos, branding, packaging, stationery, photography, events, and plenty of other uses.
30. Stigsa Display: Delicate Old Style Serif (OTF)
This Old Style serif font is equal parts sharp and delicate. Moreover, Stigsa Display is attention-grabbing even though it's not the most flamboyant typography. As such, it portrays a classy and fun image.
31. Buncher Georgia: Unique Old Style Typeface Example (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
Now, this one goes all out! Buncher Georgia knows nothing about minimalism. Just look at those curves and details. They make this Old Style typeface example perfect for any project where you need people to take a second look at you and your message.
32. Valorica Country Old Style Font (OTF, TTF, WOFF)
Valorica has a woodsy and retro flair to it. Nonetheless, you can adapt it to fit every need and preference you have. Its twists and turns add design value without taking away readability. Download this Old Style font now to help your projects stand out.
33. Dioxide Baroque Font in Old Style (OTF)
If you want to get noticed, use the Dioxide font in Old Style. It's an all-caps character set that has pizzazz while staying elegant. Turn heads with this vintage-inspired font and help people remember your brand, product, or other projects.
34. Sapodilla Handwritten Old Style Serif Font (OTF)
Mix Old Style serif fonts and handwritten typography with Sapodilla. It's a light typeface made with thin brushstrokes. You can use it to give your products or projects a lot more personality and warmth.
35. Hornbill: Whimsical Old Style Typeface (OTF, TTF)
Let's make it enjoyable with Hornbill. 70s Retro vibes and Old Style typeface sweeps make this the perfect typography for highlighting any kind of text. Grab it now and see for yourself how versatile it can be.
36. Ringift: Ethereal Old Style Font Example (OTF, TTF)
Last but not least, Ringift has a romantic aura and a sophisticated presence. It's ideal for works that need an ethereal Old Style font example to deliver their message accurately.
Which Old Style Typefaces Are Your Favorites?
Which fonts were your favorites? Any designer's collection or font library would benefit from several strong Old Style serif fonts. In addition, there are so many fonts out there that mix classifications, taking something from Old Style fonts and creating something stunning, new, and versatile. Isn't type design wonderful?
If you're a font lover, remember to check out Envato Elements. One fee gets you access to an entire library of fonts. Download and try out as many as you like from a huge collection—and the licensing is for commercial usage too. It's a perfect resource for professional designers and hobbyists alike.
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