Typophile

Please help me choose a typeface!

Kate_K

I need to design a t-shirt with two words on it and am having trouble finding an appropriate typeface. The t-shirts are aimed primarily at 30-/40-somethings and are not ’comedy’ but will probably raise a wry smile from those who get the reference, which is to a pop song from the eighties.

I can’t reveal the text yet (sorry), but it’s along the lines of “Like a Yo-Yo” - i.e. lyrics from part of a song. If there is to be a whiff of retro about it, then it should be subtle.

I would be very grateful for your suggestions!
Thank you,
Kate

‹ Check mark symbol? mixed-type logotype ›
Spire

The original CHOOSE LIFE T-shirts designed by Katharine Hamnett were set in Folio Bold Condensed (or something similar).

Folio is generic-looking enough that it doesn’t look overtly “retro” by any means, but people who get the reference will recognize the face from the original T-shirt, consciously or otherwise.

lirmac

It’s hard not to think of 80s culture without Neville Brody and ’The Face’ magazine coming to mind. How about his typeface Insignia? It’s nice in all caps.

Kate_K

Thank you, these are both great!

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