Fattytype

Fattytype is a typographic style characterized by unusually thick stroke weights that give letters a heavy, “fat” appearance. The term originated in the 1970s when designers began experimenting with extreme weight variations to add visual impact to headlines and advertising copy. Fattytype was especially popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, when billboard and poster designers sought eye‑catching typography that could be read from a distance. Although it is not a distinct typeface family, the term is used to describe any sans‑serif or serif type that has been markedly emboldened beyond standard bold weights.

Fattytype is often used for ultra‑short slogans, logos, or impact headlines, where its boldness is leveraged to dominate the layout. The style can create a sense of urgency, strength, or playfulness depending on context. In contemporary design, fattytype is still employed in fashion branding, music posters, and digital interfaces where a punchy visual statement is required. Designers typically create fattytype by manipulating stroke width in vector software or by using typefaces that natively support extra‑heavy weights, such as certain versions of Gotham, Bebas Neue, or custom hand‑drawn fonts. Because excessive heaviness can impede readability at smaller sizes, fattytype is best reserved for large type treatments, ensuring legibility while preserving visual impact.