Slab Contrasted Ihli 9 is a very bold, wide, low contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Kate Slab' by Monday Type (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, sports branding, packaging, logo design, retro, collegiate, confident, playful, sporty, impact, nostalgia, momentum, branding, chunky, bracketed, softened, ink-trap.
A heavy, right-leaning slab serif with broad proportions and a compact, sturdy build. Strokes are thick and mostly even, with gently rounded joins and subtly shaped terminals that keep the forms from feeling rigid. The slabs read as substantial and slightly bracketed, and several letters show small notches/ink-trap-like cut-ins at tight corners (notably in diagonals and joins), adding texture and improving interior clarity. Counters are relatively open for the weight, and the overall rhythm is punchy with pronounced curves and sturdy horizontals.
Best suited to large-scale display use such as headlines, posters, team or event branding, packaging fronts, and logo wordmarks where its weight and slabs can deliver impact. It can also work for short bursts of copy—subheads, pull quotes, and labels—where a forceful, retro-leaning texture is desirable.
The tone is bold and assertive with a retro, collegiate energy. Its chunky slabs and forward slant feel sporty and promotional, projecting confidence and a friendly, slightly nostalgic voice.
Likely designed to provide a high-impact slab serif for display typography that feels energetic and approachable, combining sturdy, blocky forms with an italicized forward drive and small corner refinements for cleaner interiors at heavy weights.
The numerals and capitals carry strong billboard presence, while the lowercase keeps a compact, pragmatic feel with clear dots and sturdy bowls. The italic slant is consistent across letters and figures, giving headlines momentum without turning into a calligraphic style.