Slab Contrasted Ihdi 4 is a bold, normal width, low contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Multiple' by Latinotype, 'Adagio Slab' by Machalski, 'Egyptian Slate' by Monotype, 'Tabac Slab' by Suitcase Type Foundry, and 'Rahere Slab' by ULGA Type (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, editorial, branding, packaging, confident, heritage, sporty, assertive, impact, emphasis, readability, bracketed, ink-trap hints, clubby, sturdy, oldstyle.
A robust italic serif with slab-like, bracketed terminals and a strong, compact color on the page. The letters lean with a consistent forward slant, showing thick, rounded joins and softly sculpted stroke endings that keep counters open despite the heavy weight. Serifs read as squared and substantial rather than hairline, and many curves (notably in C, G, S, and the bowls) have a slightly pinched, ink-trap-like tension at joins. The lowercase has a two-storey “a” and single-storey “g,” with lively, rounded forms and confident, shortened beak/ear details that reinforce the italic rhythm. Numerals are similarly weighty and stable, designed to hold up at display sizes with clear silhouettes.
Best suited to headlines, decks, and pull quotes where its heavy italic character can create momentum and presence. It also works well for branding and packaging that want a classic, print-forward voice, and for editorial typography that benefits from strong emphasis without losing legibility at larger text sizes.
The overall tone is confident and traditional, with an energetic italic swagger that feels editorial and headline-driven. Its chunky serifs and dense texture suggest authority and impact, while the softened curves keep it approachable rather than severe.
This design appears intended to merge traditional slab-serif sturdiness with a pronounced italic cadence, delivering a compact, high-impact texture for expressive display and editorial emphasis.
Spacing appears moderately tight in the sample text, producing a cohesive, poster-like texture. The italic construction is emphatic (especially in the capitals), and the slab terminals help maintain clarity in dense lines by providing firm horizontal anchors.