Typography is one of the strongest signals of time and style. The right typeface can immediately transport your users to a specific decade. Pixel fonts evoke 80s arcades and early computers. Rounded futuristic sans-serif fonts feel like 70s sci-fi. Slab serifs and soft serif fonts bring analog bookish warmth.

Start by choosing one expressive headline font — the star of your retro aesthetic — and pair it with one clean, modern support font for body text. Avoid mixing too many different eras or styles, as that can make the design feel inconsistent.

Typography should guide the visual story of your UI kit. Combined with controlled colors, subtle textures, and a solid grid, your type takes the lead in defining the retro personality.

Takeaway:
Let typography define the era — one hero font paired with a clean supporting typeface creates a retro look that feels intentional, modern, and iconic.