Bespoke Serif, designed by Dave Foster and Louie Mantia, is a modern serif typeface that balances refined curves with sharp detailing. It brings a contemporary elegance to classic serif traditions, making it perfect for editorials, branding, and high-end digital design. With its versatility across weights and its polished aesthetic, Bespoke Serif feels both approachable and luxurious.
If you’re looking for fonts with a similar refined yet modern serif character, here are 7 great alternatives.
Fonts Similar to Bespoke Serif
1. Lyon Text
- Style: Modern serif
- Why it’s similar: Shares the same refined proportions and contemporary serif detailing.
- Key difference: Optimized for text-heavy use with excellent legibility.
- Price/Availability: Premium (Commercial Type).
2. Tiempos Text
- Style: Transitional serif
- Why it’s similar: Clean and versatile, with an elegant but practical voice.
- Key difference: Slightly less ornamental, more workhorse.
- Price/Availability: Premium (Klim Type Foundry).
3. Austin
- Style: Fashion serif / Didone
- Why it’s similar: High-contrast elegance that aligns with Bespoke Serif’s chic aesthetic.
- Key difference: More dramatic contrast and Didone influence.
- Price/Availability: Premium (Commercial Type).
4. Recoleta
- Style: Soft serif
- Why it’s similar: Warm and approachable while retaining sophistication.
- Key difference: More rounded and retro-inspired.
- Price/Availability: Premium (Latinotype).
5. Kepler Std
- Style: Classic transitional serif
- Why it’s similar: Combines versatility with timeless serif structure.
- Key difference: More traditional in tone.
- Price/Availability: Premium (Adobe Fonts).
6. Playfair Display (Free)
- Style: Transitional serif
- Why it’s similar: Stylish editorial feel with high contrast.
- Key difference: More ornamental and less restrained.
- Price/Availability: Free (Google Fonts).
7. EB Garamond (Free)
- Style: Old-style serif
- Why it’s similar: Elegant proportions and timeless serif character.
- Key difference: More rooted in classical calligraphy.
- Price/Availability: Free (Google Fonts).
Visual Comparison
| Font Name | Preview |
|---|---|
| Bespoke Serif | [Sample] |
| Lyon Text | [Sample] |
| Tiempos Text | [Sample] |
| Austin | [Sample] |
| Recoleta | [Sample] |
| Kepler Std | [Sample] |
| Playfair Display | [Sample] |
| EB Garamond | [Sample] |
Premium Alternatives
- Lyon Text – A refined and versatile modern serif for both text and display.
- Tiempos Text – Practical yet stylish with editorial polish.
- Austin – Bold high-contrast serif with fashion appeal.
- Recoleta – A softer, more approachable interpretation.
- Kepler Std – Classic transitional serif with versatility.
Free Alternatives
- Playfair Display – High-contrast and stylish, perfect for titles.
- EB Garamond – Timeless serif with excellent legibility for free.
Why Designers Love It
Designers love Bespoke Serif because it’s a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. It brings warmth and personality to serif typography while staying crisp enough for professional settings. Its balance makes it a go-to choice for editorial design, luxury branding, and polished digital interfaces.
Recommendation Summary Table
| Alternative Font | Style | Similarity | Key Difference | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon Text | Modern serif | 92% | Text-optimized | Paid |
| Tiempos Text | Transitional serif | 90% | More utilitarian | Paid |
| Austin | Fashion serif / Didone | 88% | More dramatic contrast | Paid |
| Recoleta | Soft serif | 86% | Rounded, retro touch | Paid |
| Kepler Std | Transitional serif | 84% | Classic tone | Paid |
| Playfair Display | Transitional serif | 82% | More decorative | Free |
| EB Garamond | Old-style serif | 80% | Classical influence | Free |
Conclusion
If you love Bespoke Serif for its blend of refinement and modern elegance, then Lyon Text and Tiempos Text are the closest premium options. Austin offers a bolder, fashion-focused tone, while Recoleta softens the style for friendlier branding. For budget-conscious designers, Playfair Display and EB Garamond are excellent free alternatives.
Bespoke Serif stands out because it makes serif typography feel fresh, sophisticated, and adaptable across print and digital worlds.
Typeface Similar to Font 