Serif Flared Esmal 3 is a regular weight, normal width, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Optima Nova' by Linotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: body text, editorial, book typography, magazines, branding, literary, classic, refined, warm, readability, editorial tone, modern classic, text+display, flared, calligraphic, bracketed, open counters, crisp.
This typeface is a flared serif with gently widening stroke terminals and subtly bracketed serifs that give stems a sculpted, calligraphic finish. Proportions are balanced with a moderate x-height, open apertures, and mostly classic serif construction, while curves (C, G, O, Q) are smooth and generously rounded. The lowercase shows a two-storey a and g, with compact, controlled joins and a steady rhythm; the t has a modest crossbar and the f carries a pronounced top terminal. Numerals are sturdy and readable, with traditional forms and clear differentiation across 0–9.
It performs well in long-form reading for books, essays, and magazine text where a classic serif texture is desirable without feeling overly formal. The distinctive flared terminals also make it a strong choice for headlines, pull quotes, and brand typography that wants a literary or boutique editorial character.
The overall tone feels bookish and editorial, combining traditional serif familiarity with a slightly contemporary softness from the flared endings. It reads as confident and composed rather than flashy, suited to content that benefits from a cultured, established voice.
The design appears intended to modernize a traditional serif voice by replacing sharp slab-like endings with gentle flares, creating warmth and craft while maintaining conventional letterforms for comfortable readability.
Contrast is noticeable but not sharp, keeping text color even across lines. Spacing and sidebearings appear comfortable in the sample text, supporting continuous reading, while the flared terminals add a subtle texture at larger sizes.