Italic fonts have a lot of different uses; be it for an added sense of drama, contrast, practical emphasis, or purely aesthetic purposes. What they can genuinely offer, however, is a definitive character to a typeface or font family – imparting their own personality, intentionality and movement in the face of more static, upright fonts. Their inclusion presents an opportunity to explore a typeface’s character and craft, as well as its contrast, regardless of its intended usage.
In this round-up, we’re highlighting the italic styles that stole the spotlight in 2025 – from classic serifs to more expressive sans – each one crafted with purpose and personality.
PP Editorial New
A classic typeface in a classic cut. The italic styles of PP Editorial New are some of the most distinctive in the Pangram Pangram library. Designed to give structure to long-form editorial content, these italics offer a pragmatic function alongside a sense of flair – an expressive nature reminiscent of mid-90s fashion magazines and publishing. Elegance without ever feeling outdated.
PP Kyoto
If you’ve ever wondered whether a slab serif could be graceful, the italics of PP Kyoto are your answer. Designed as part of a bilingual Latin/Japanese type system, the italic cuts carry over the slab’s distinctive weight while introducing a dynamic rhythm. Soft teardrop terminals, expressive slant, and generous counterforms make the italic flow feel natural, not forced.
PP Acma
Now with freshly-baked italics, the long-awaited slanted style for PP Acma has arrived (and they were worth every second of the wait). Where the upright cuts walk a careful line between poised and punchy, the new italics lean fully into their more sensual, expressive side. The curves are even more pronounced, and the tension between structure and freedom is perhaps even more palpable.
PP Nikkei
The italics in PP Nikkei, especially in its heavier weights, bring warmth, narrative, and a dynamism to a typeface already rich in cultural resonance. Inspired by Japanese-American histories and visual traditions, these italics retain the strength of the upright but add a calligraphic lightness that makes them sing, for an altogether more nuanced rhythm and feel.
PP Right Gothic
Modern Sans meets historical DNA in PP Right Gothic Italic – a standout in a family of nearly one hundred styles. Where many gothic or grotesque italics feel like afterthoughts, Right Gothic’s slanted styles are considered, contemporary, and full of character. The pronounced stroke contrast (something that’s far more rare in sans italics) gives them a lively, almost serif-like bounce. Plus, it’s all variable, so you can fine-tune the slant, contrast, and weight to your will!
PP Neue Montreal
PP Neue Montreal Italic is clean, crisp, and unmistakably modern. A classic, if you will. As a grotesque, the italic styles keep the structure tight and the energy high, being subtle enough for body copy but bright enough for headline copy too. The slanted letterforms bring a friendly punch to an otherwise no-nonsense design, and the slightly narrowed italics offer just enough distinction to feel intentional rather than default.
Need to test them for yourself? Grab the Pangram Pangram Starter Pack and get started!
