Slab Contrasted Vafu 3 is a very bold, normal width, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'FF Unit Slab' by FontFont, 'Floris' by LucasFonts, and 'Mafra Condensed' by Monotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, signage, packaging, sports branding, confident, rugged, traditional, poster-ready, collegiate, impact, heritage, readability, print feel, sturdiness, bracketed serifs, blocky, ink-trap feel, arched terminals, high impact.
A dense, heavy slab serif with broad, rectangular forms and clearly bracketed serifs that read sturdy rather than delicate. Curves are generously rounded, with a slightly softened, ink-friendly finish at joins and terminals that gives the counters a sculpted, punched-out look. The lowercase is compact and sturdy with a single-storey “a” and a robust, rounded “g,” while capitals are wide-shouldered and emphatic, creating a strong horizontal rhythm. Numerals follow the same chunky construction, with smooth curves and stable bases that keep large text feeling anchored.
Best suited to headlines and short statements where impact and presence matter—posters, signage, packaging fronts, and bold editorial openers. It also fits identity systems that want a traditional, varsity, or industrial tone, and it can work for pull quotes when spacing is opened up.
The font projects a bold, no-nonsense personality with a classic, workhorse feel. Its weight and slab details evoke vintage printing, campus athletics, and heritage branding, balancing toughness with a friendly, rounded warmth in the curves.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum punch with a sturdy slab structure and softened, print-like detailing, creating a vintage-leaning display serif that stays approachable rather than sharp or formal.
At display sizes the strong serifs and tight inner counters produce a punchy, high-contrast silhouette against the page. In longer settings the heavy color and compact counters suggest it will be most comfortable when given generous tracking and leading, especially in all-caps.