Serif Normal Polab 3 is a bold, wide, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: headlines, editorial, fashion, branding, packaging, luxury, authoritative, dramatic, classic, display impact, editorial elegance, premium tone, classic revival, sharp, crisp, bracketed, sculpted, formal.
This serif shows a crisp, high-contrast construction with thick, weighty main stems and razor-thin hairlines. Serifs are bracketed yet keen-edged, with tapered terminals and pointed joins that give the outlines a carved, sculptural feel. Counters are generous and shapes are strongly modeled, while the rhythm in text is driven by prominent verticals and tight, elegant transitions. Numerals and capitals maintain a stately, display-leaning presence, and the lowercase keeps a traditional serif structure with clearly defined bowls and arches.
It performs best for headlines, decks, and pull quotes where its contrast and sharp detailing can be appreciated. The style suits fashion and luxury branding, magazine and book editorial settings, and premium packaging or labels that benefit from a classic, high-end voice.
The overall tone is formal and commanding, with a polished, editorial sophistication. The sharp hairlines and sculpted serifs add drama and refinement, suggesting premium, heritage-leaning typography rather than casual or utilitarian use.
The design intention appears to be a contemporary take on a classic text serif, tuned toward striking display impact through amplified contrast and sculpted detailing. It aims to balance tradition with a more theatrical, attention-grabbing silhouette for upscale editorial and brand applications.
In the sample text, the high contrast and thin connections create a sparkling texture that reads as upscale at larger sizes, while the bold massing of the stems keeps headlines visually anchored. The pointed details and tight hairlines emphasize precision and may feel more delicate when reproduced very small or in low-resolution conditions.