IBM Plex Mono is one of those monospaced typefaces so many of us can’t resist reaching for. It’s clean, modern, techy (in the best way), and somehow still warm and approachable. It’s got that practical “I know what I’m doing” energy — but it can lean a little cold on its own.

So, when you pair it with something that has a bit more warmth or texture, it suddenly comes alive. Below are five Jen Wagner typefaces that balance IBM Plex Mono’s structure with feeling — perfect for brands that want to jump on the mono trend while still feeling human, grounded, and approachable.

1. Perfectly Nineties

The cool, nostalgic serif that gives IBM Plex Mono some emotion.
Perfectly Nineties →

Perfectly Nineties brings in all that editorial nostalgia IBM Plex Mono is missing. It’s refined but not stuffy — the kind of serif that feels at home in a brand story, a campaign headline, or packaging that needs a touch of softness.

Why it works: IBM Plex Mono handles the technical stuff; Perfectly Nineties brings the romance. The mix creates something that feels intelligent and emotional (which, honestly, is what most brands are trying to do).

Where it shines: Beauty brands, boutique wellness, and anything with an editorial or lifestyle lean.

2. Neue Swiss

IBM Plex Mono’s cleaner, more polished sibling.
Neue Swiss →

If IBM Plex Mono is the design engineer, Neue Swiss is the creative director — still precise, but with a little more movement. They share similar tones, but Neue Swiss adds just enough elegance to make everything feel finished.

Why it works: The two share structure and restraint, but Neue Swiss introduces warmth and proportion that IBM Plex Mono can’t do alone. It’s like the friend that helps the other loosen up at a dinner party.

Where it shines: Tech, agencies, and brand systems that need to feel premium without trying too hard. Perfect for digital-first brands that want “clean,” not “cold.”

3. Figura Sans

Quiet luxury in type form.
Figura Sans →

Figura Sans has that confident, “don’t-need-to-scream-to-be-seen” vibe. It’s modern, a little architectural, and stunningly versatile. Paired with IBM Plex Mono, it’s the visual equivalent of linen trousers with a structured blazer — balanced, intentional, timeless.

Why it works: Figura has humanist finesse; IBM Plex Mono has discipline. Together, they give hierarchy and texture without clashing.

Where it shines: Beauty, fashion, or wellness — anywhere you need refinement that still feels approachable. Great for high-end packaging, lookbooks, or digital experiences that want that quiet confidence energy.

4. Founder’s Hand

Your handwritten note to IBM Plex Mono’s spreadsheet.
Founder’s Hand →

This one’s all about adding personality. Founder’s Hand feels like a quick scribble on a sticky note — in the best way. It brings humanity and charm to IBM Plex Mono’s structured lines, creating contrast that feels intentional and memorable.

Why it works: IBM Plex Mono gives stability; Founder’s Hand gives soul. It’s the balance between brand polish and that personal, handwritten touch (literally).

Where it shines: Lifestyle brands, personal brands, or packaging where you want to emphasize approachability — like “from the founder” notes or handwritten product labels.

5. Ethic Serif

Classic and grounded, but make it modern.
Ethic →

Ethic Serif is calm, confident, and strong — like the friend who really seems to have their life together and always gives solid advice. It adds a thoughtful edge to IBM Plex Mono’s precision and brings a timeless balance to modern design systems.

Why it works: Ethic and IBM Plex Mono speak the same design language (clarity, order, restraint), but Ethic brings depth and emotion to IBM Plex Mono‘s reason and decisiveness.

Where it shines: Editorial, fashion, or strategy-driven brands that want to feel trustworthy and elevated without losing that grounded quality.

Pairing IBM Plex Mono with something expressive is like adding texture to a neutral space — suddenly it feels lived-in. All five of these pairings work because they create harmony between logic and emotion, form and feeling (which, to me, is what great typography does best).

Whether you’re building a design system, creating packaging, or just refreshing your brand’s voice, try IBM Plex Mono with one of these — it might surprise you how much personality shows up when you give structure a little soul!