Lato is a popular sans-serif typeface known for its versatility, legibility, and modern appeal. Designed by Łukasz Dziedzic in 2010, Lato has quickly become a favorite among designers for both web and print projects. Its clean and friendly letterforms make it an ideal choice for a wide range of uses, from corporate branding to casual blogs. In this article, we’ll explore the best fonts to pair with Lato, as well as some compelling alternatives that can bring a fresh perspective to your design projects.
Why Use Lato?
Lato is a humanist sans-serif typeface that strikes the perfect balance between modernity and warmth. It features semi-rounded letters that give it a friendly and approachable character, while its geometric precision adds a sense of professionalism. Here are some reasons why Lato is such a great typeface for many design needs:
- Versatility: Lato works well in both headings and body text, making it ideal for projects that require consistency throughout.
- Readability: Lato’s letterforms are highly legible, even at smaller sizes, making it an excellent choice for both print and digital content.
- Balanced Tone: It conveys a modern and clean aesthetic without feeling too stark or cold, which makes it suitable for various applications, from formal business documents to creative projects.
Best Font Pairings with Lato
When it comes to pairing fonts, it’s all about balance and contrast. Lato’s versatility means it pairs well with a wide variety of typefaces, from classic serifs to other sans-serifs. Here are some of the best fonts to pair with Lato for a cohesive and visually appealing design:
1. Lato & Merriweather
Merriweather is a classic serif typeface that pairs beautifully with Lato. The contrast between Lato’s modern sans-serif style and Merriweather’s traditional serif design creates a perfect balance. Merriweather works well for headings, while Lato makes an excellent choice for body text, resulting in a polished, professional look.
Where to Use: Blogs, websites, editorial content.
Why It Works: The combination of a clean sans-serif with a classic serif helps create a natural visual hierarchy, enhancing readability and making content more engaging.
2. Lato & Playfair Display
Playfair Display is an elegant serif font with high contrast that pairs well with Lato for projects that require a sophisticated, stylish feel. Playfair Display works particularly well in headlines, while Lato complements it nicely as body text.
Where to Use: Fashion websites, high-end product advertising, magazines.
Why It Works: Playfair Display’s luxurious look contrasts with Lato’s simplicity, making this pairing ideal for designs that need a touch of elegance without sacrificing readability.
3. Lato & Montserrat
Montserrat is another sans-serif typeface that works beautifully with Lato. Montserrat is slightly more geometric, giving it a stronger and more commanding presence compared to Lato. Using Montserrat for headings and Lato for body text can create a harmonious blend that feels both modern and approachable.
Where to Use: Corporate branding, presentations, websites.
Why It Works: Both fonts are highly legible and share a similar modern aesthetic, but the slight differences in style add enough contrast to create a balanced design.
4. Lato & Roboto
Roboto is a versatile sans-serif typeface that pairs well with Lato for a contemporary look. Roboto has slightly more mechanical, angular letterforms, which creates an interesting contrast with Lato’s more humanistic design. This combination is perfect for digital content, especially in tech or startup environments.
Where to Use: Websites, mobile apps, tech-focused branding.
Why It Works: Roboto and Lato are both highly readable, and the subtle differences in their letterforms make the pairing visually dynamic without clashing.
5. Lato & Raleway
Raleway is an elegant sans-serif typeface with a light, airy quality that works well with Lato. Raleway’s thin strokes and distinctive style make it perfect for headings, while Lato serves as a great supporting font for body text.
Where to Use: Portfolios, creative agencies, event posters.
Why It Works: Raleway brings a touch of elegance, while Lato’s more neutral style balances the overall look, making it both visually appealing and easy to read.
Best Alternatives to Lato
While Lato is a fantastic typeface, there are plenty of alternatives that can be used to achieve a similar effect while adding some unique qualities to your design. Here are some of the best alternatives to Lato:
1. Open Sans
Open Sans is a popular sans-serif typeface designed by Steve Matteson. It’s a great alternative to Lato, offering a similar clean, modern look. Open Sans is highly legible and works well in both print and digital formats, making it perfect for a wide variety of design projects.
Where to Use: Websites, mobile apps, corporate materials.
Why It Works: Open Sans has a similar character to Lato, with a bit more openness in its design, giving it a friendly and approachable feel.
2. Nunito
Nunito is a rounded sans-serif typeface that brings a softer touch to designs compared to Lato. Its friendly curves make it an ideal alternative for projects where you want to convey warmth and approachability while maintaining a professional appearance.
Where to Use: Branding, presentations, user interfaces.
Why It Works: Nunito’s rounded letterforms provide a unique yet familiar look that can stand in for Lato while adding a bit more personality.
3. Source Sans Pro
Source Sans Pro is Adobe’s first open-source typeface family, designed for readability in user interfaces. It’s a great alternative to Lato for projects that require a clean and modern look, especially for digital content.
Where to Use: Websites, apps, user interfaces.
Why It Works: Source Sans Pro is highly legible and has a neutral tone, making it suitable for a wide range of design contexts, much like Lato.
4. Poppins
Poppins is a geometric sans-serif typeface that offers a bit more structure and boldness compared to Lato. Poppins is a great alternative for projects that need a modern, stylish look with a touch of personality.
Where to Use: Advertising, social media graphics, branding.
Why It Works: Poppins has a similar versatility to Lato but brings a more playful, geometric aspect to the design, making it stand out while remaining highly legible.
5. PT Sans
PT Sans is another humanist sans-serif typeface that makes an excellent alternative to Lato. It has a clean, professional look, and its historical roots in Russian typography give it a unique character that adds depth to designs.
Where to Use: Corporate branding, editorial content, presentations.
Why It Works: PT Sans is similar in spirit to Lato, with a professional and approachable character that works well across different mediums.
Tips for Pairing Lato and Its Alternatives
- Create a Clear Hierarchy: When pairing Lato or its alternatives with other fonts, use different weights and styles to create visual contrast between headings, subheadings, and body text. This helps guide the viewer’s eye and enhances the readability of the design.
- Match the Tone: Consider the tone of your project when choosing a pairing or alternative for Lato. Whether you want a formal, friendly, or modern feel, make sure the fonts you choose complement the overall message of your design.
- Test Across Different Mediums: Whether you’re designing for print or digital, test your font choices in different formats to ensure readability and visual appeal. Lato and its alternatives are versatile, but context can affect how they appear.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Design with Lato and Its Alternatives
Lato has earned its place as one of the most popular sans-serif typefaces for good reason—its versatility, readability, and balanced tone make it a go-to choice for countless design projects. However, to create more distinctive and engaging visuals, pairing Lato with complementary fonts or exploring some of its alternatives can help you achieve the perfect aesthetic.
Whether you’re looking to create a sophisticated editorial piece, a friendly user interface, or a modern website, Lato and its ideal pairings and alternatives can enhance your design and ensure your message stands out. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find the best combination that brings your vision to life.
Font Foundry Hub 