Old Style typefaces can be a timeless, classy addition to any font library. But what is the Old Style serif typeface classification, and why do modern fonts still take influence from it?
In this article, we'll discuss what Old Style serif fonts are and check out a list of beautiful fonts that take influence from Old Style serif typefaces.
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.
Let's take a look at some beautifully designed fonts that draw inspiration from Old Style typefaces. They may not all necessarily follow the Old Style aesthetic completely by the book, but that's the beauty of modern fonts. Many of them draw inspiration from several aesthetics.
So, if you're looking to add some elegance and style to your font collection, take a look.
Stylish Old Style Serif Fonts From Envato Elements
If you love to download new fonts, check out Envato Elements. For one low fee, you gain access to a library of thousands of fonts, and you can download them all without any limits. This is a bargain if you're looking to try out a lot of different fonts and you want to use them for commercial purposes. There are plenty of Old Style serif fonts, as well as geometrics, sans serifs, handwriting fonts, and more.
But it's not just a font library. Envato Elements also comes with graphics, illustrations, photographs, design templates, professional mockups, and much more. The best part is, it's all included with unlimited downloads.
So, if you're a professional designer who regularly turns to stock imagery, needs templates, and other professional assets, Envato Elements is a bargain and a valuable resource. Spruce up your website. Find the perfect assets for your Instagram account. Enjoy all of the font downloads you like—on top of all these perks.
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 Style Serif Font (OTF)
This Old Style serif font 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 Style Typeface (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
Isn't this font 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 Old Style Font Example Family Pack (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
Here's another font family to check out. It 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 Style Serif Font (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
There's a slight variation in the strokes of this Old Style serif 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 Style Typeface (OTF, TTF)
This Old Style typeface 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 Style Font Example (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
Now here's an interesting Old Style font example with some beautiful alternates. Beautiful swashes and curls added to this serif font give it an extra stroke of elegance.
12. Bearmen Impressive Serif Old Style Font (OTF, TTF)
This serif Old Style 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 Font Family (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
This is a great font download because you get a two-in-one pack. This 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 Font in Old Style (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
Isn't the crossbar in the upper-case "A" here visually interesting? Additions and variations like the ones in this typeface 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 Style Typeface Example (OTF, TTF)
Here's another Old Style typeface example that employs beautiful swashes and curls. It really is a lovely pair with a classic serif, isn't it? Use this display type for logo design, headlines, and more.
16. Hyogo Fresh Old Style Font Family (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
This is a classic yet Old Style font. 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: Great Font in Old Style (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
This stylish font in Old Style family is 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 Old Style Font Example (TTF, OTF, Web Font Kit)
There's something so elegant about well-designed type, isn't there? This 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, where glamour, 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 really 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. Addington Soft Old Style Serif Font (OTF)
Looking for a stylish Old Style serif font that can fill a wide variety of roles in your next composition? This one is super versatile, has seven different weights included, and has also received regular updates from the designer.
27. Magreb: Exquisite Old Style Typeface (OTF)
As the image states, the Magreb Old Style typeface is smooth and exquisite. You can really see how the letters flow into each other thanks to the curvy serif, a staple of the Old Style fonts.
28. Restora: Refined Old Style Font Example (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 really 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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Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Dacia Egurrola. Dacia is a staff writer with Envato Tuts+.
