Open Sans is one of those fonts that’s everywhere for a reason — clean, friendly, and endlessly reliable. It’s like that friend who shows up early, brings snacks, and makes sure everyone’s taken care of. It just works.

But because it’s so familiar, it can sometimes use a design partner that adds a little more personality — something with texture, elegance, or presence to make your typography feel intentional instead of default.

Here are five Jen Wagner typefaces that pair beautifully with Open Sans, giving your layouts warmth, sophistication, and a subtle upgrade (without losing that easy readability we all love).

1. Essential Sans

The geometric header that makes Open Sans feel custom.
Essential Sans →

If you’re using Open Sans for body copy, Essential Sans is a natural next step for headers. It’s clean and geometric, but still has that approachable tone — like Open Sans’s slightly more friendly, design-forward cousin.

Why it works: They share clarity, form, and friendliness, but Essential Sans adds weight, proportion, and visual rhythm that make your hierarchy feel more intentional (and a little more premium).

Where it shines: Web design, SaaS brands, and lifestyle sites that want to keep things modern and accessible without defaulting to “techy.” Perfect for design systems where simplicity is the brand language.

2. Apéritif Serif

A soft serif that brings warmth to Open Sans’s modern edge.
Apéritif →

Apéritif is refined, graceful, and a little unexpected next to Open Sans. The pairing feels sophisticated without trying too hard — approachable, but with a glass-of-wine energy (hence the name).

Why it works: Apéritif’s curves and subtle contrast soften Open Sans’s utilitarian structure, creating a blend that feels both editorial and human.

Where it shines: Beauty, wellness, and hospitality brands. Perfect for packaging, long-form storytelling, or any brand identity that wants to say, “we care about the details.”

3. Editor’s Note Display

The bold editorial partner Open Sans didn’t know it needed.
Editor’s Note Display →

Editor’s Note Display adds personality and texture in all the right ways. It’s elegant and expressive — perfect for headlines, quotes, or hero text that needs to hold attention while Open Sans quietly carries the body copy below.

Why it works: Open Sans brings balance and legibility, while Editor’s Note adds contrast and drama (without tipping into “overdesigned”).

Where it shines: Editorial brands, agencies, or creative studios that want that high-end magazine feel. Use Editor’s Note Display for big moments and let Open Sans keep everything grounded.

4. Perfectly Nineties

Modern nostalgia meets everyday readability.
Perfectly Nineties →

Perfectly Nineties brings just the right amount of retro charm to Open Sans’s simplicity. It’s the typographic version of mixing vintage denim with a crisp white tee — timeless, effortless, and just interesting enough.

Why it works: Open Sans keeps the system clean and accessible, while Perfectly Nineties adds character and visual texture. The result feels familiar but fresh — that perfect sweet spot.

Where it shines: Lifestyle brands, beauty, and editorial design. Anywhere you want to add warmth and nostalgia without losing modern clarity.

5. Ethic Serif

Grounded elegance that elevates Open Sans instantly.
Ethic →

Ethic Serif is the definition of timeless — confident, clean, and expressive. When paired with Open Sans, it introduces a sense of poise and credibility that makes even the simplest layouts feel thoughtful.

Why it works: Both fonts value clarity and balance, but Ethic adds subtle sophistication through contrast and proportion. It’s the “smart casual” pairing that just works everywhere.

Where it shines: Strategy-driven brands, modern editorial projects, and any client work where you need a mix of warmth, confidence, and readability across digital and print.

Pairing Open Sans with a typeface that brings texture or contrast can completely change the tone of your brand — it’s like layering linen over cotton (same comfort, just more depth).

Each of these five typefaces gives Open Sans a different kind of energy: polished, nostalgic, editorial, or luxe. And when used together thoughtfully, they help your brand feel as approachable as Open Sans always has — just with a little more soul.