Slab Contrasted Pily 3 is a very bold, wide, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Archer' by Hoefler & Co.; 'Equip Slab' by Hoftype; and 'Emy Slab', 'Newslab', 'Sanchez', 'Sanchez Slab', and 'Sánchez Niu' by Latinotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, signage, sports branding, assertive, retro, collegiate, industrial, playful, impact, heritage, readability, ruggedness, approachability, blocky, chunky, bracketed, sturdy, friendly.
A heavy, block-forward slab serif with broad proportions and compact counters. Strokes are largely uniform with subtle modulation, while the serifs read as thick, squared slabs with mild bracketing that smooths joins and corners. Curves are generously rounded (notably in C, O, S, and the lowercase bowls), contrasted by crisp terminals and flat horizontal cuts that keep the rhythm steady. The lowercase is robust and weighty, with a single-storey a and g, a short-armed r, and a deep, rounded u—details that reinforce a solid, poster-ready texture.
This font performs best in headlines and short bursts of copy where its heavy slabs and wide stance can do the work—posters, storefront signage, bold labels, and packaging. It also fits well in collegiate or team-style branding, badges, and merch graphics that benefit from a sturdy, old-school display serif.
The overall tone is confident and attention-grabbing, with a nostalgic, Americana-leaning presence. Its chunky slabs and rounded forms give it a friendly, slightly playful energy while still feeling tough and dependable—well suited to messages meant to look bold, established, and unmissable.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum impact with a classic slab-serif voice: strong rectangular structure, softened by rounded curves and lightly bracketed serifs for warmth. It prioritizes bold readability and a distinctive, vintage display presence over delicate detail.
The numerals are similarly stout and high-impact, with simple, rounded geometry and strong horizontal anchoring. Spacing appears built for display sizes, producing a dense, even color in lines of text and a distinctly blocky silhouette in all-caps settings.