<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  9.6.8167.22744 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 8/15/2022 6:06:25 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 8/15/2022 6:06:25 PM-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesScheduleOfTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesScheduleOfTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetailsCalc2" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetailsCalc2" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureDebtAndOtherLongTermLiabilitiesNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetailsCalc2" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtAndOtherLongTermLiabilitiesNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetailsCalc2" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureDebtNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureEarningsLossPerShareBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsLossPerShareBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebt" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureDebt" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureDebtTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureDebtNarrativeDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsLossPerShare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureEarningsLossPerShare" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsLossPerShareAntiDilutiveSecuritiesExcludedDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureEarningsLossPerShareAntiDilutiveSecuritiesExcludedDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsLossPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureEarningsLossPerShareTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxes" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureSignificantContractsAndConcentrations" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureSignificantContractsAndConcentrations" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquity" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityNonVestedOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityNonVestedOptionsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityStockOptionsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangibles" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangibles" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesNarrativeDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" />
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00100 - Statement - Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637961835802489116" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637961835802489116" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637961835802489116" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637961835802489116" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637961835802489116" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_637961835802489116" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637961835802489116" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_637961835802489116" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637961835802499112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637961835802489116" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637961835802499112" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryNet_637961835802499112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637961835802489116" xlink:to="us-gaap_InventoryNet_637961835802499112" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637961835802499112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637961835802499112" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637961835802499112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637961835802499112" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637961835802499112" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637961835802499112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637961835802499112" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637961835802499112" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_637961835802499112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637961835802499112" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_637961835802499112" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_637961835802499112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637961835802499112" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_637961835802499112" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_637961835802499112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637961835802499112" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_637961835802499112" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637961835802509123" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637961835802499112" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637961835802509123" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_637961835802509123" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637961835802499112" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_637961835802509123" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities_637961835802509123" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities_637961835802509123" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637961835802509123" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637961835802509123" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637961835802509123" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637961835802509123" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637961835802509123" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637961835802509123" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_637961835802519004" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637961835802509123" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_637961835802519004" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_637961835802519004" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637961835802509123" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_637961835802519004" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_637961835802519004" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637961835802509123" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_637961835802519004" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637961835802509123" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_637961835802519004" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_637961835802519004" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637961835802529081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637961835802529081" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLiabilityCurrent_637961835802529081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLiabilityCurrent_637961835802529081" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_637961835802529081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637961835802519004" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_637961835802529081" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_637961835802529081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637961835802509123" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_637961835802529081" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637961835802529081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637961835802529081" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterest_637961835802539006" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637961835802529081" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterest_637961835802539006" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637961835802539006" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637961835802529081" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637961835802539006" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637961835802539006" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637961835802539006" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637961835802539006" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637961835802539006" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637961835802539006" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637961835802539006" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_637961835802539006" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637961835802539006" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_637961835802539006" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637961835802539006" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637961835802539006" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637961835802539006" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00200 - Statement - Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637961835802549036" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637961835802549036" order="1" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637961835802549036" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637961835802549036" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637961835802549036" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637961835802549036" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637961835802549036" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637961835802549036" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637961835802549036" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637961835802549036" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit" xlink:label="us-gaap_GrossProfit_637961835802549036" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637961835802549036" xlink:to="us-gaap_GrossProfit_637961835802549036" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637961835802559254" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_GrossProfit_637961835802549036" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637961835802559254" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_637961835802559254" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_GrossProfit_637961835802549036" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_637961835802559254" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637961835802559254" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637961835802549036" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637961835802559254" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_637961835802559254" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637961835802559254" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_637961835802559254" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637961835802559254" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637961835802559254" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637961835802559254" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637961835802559254" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637961835802559254" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637961835802559254" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637961835802559254" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637961835802559254" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637961835802559254" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_637961835802569112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637961835802549036" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_637961835802569112" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_637961835802569112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_637961835802569112" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_637961835802569112" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_637961835802569112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637961835802549036" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_637961835802569112" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637961835802569112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_637961835802569112" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637961835802569112" order="1" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_637961835802569112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_637961835802569112" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_637961835802569112" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#xelb_OtherInterestAndFinanceChargesIncomeNet" xlink:label="xelb_OtherInterestAndFinanceChargesIncomeNet_637961835802569112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_637961835802569112" xlink:to="xelb_OtherInterestAndFinanceChargesIncomeNet_637961835802569112" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637961835802569112" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637961835802549036" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637961835802569112" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00400 - Statement - Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_1ce4b89e-fa52-7101-5bea-622168a4559a" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637961835802579017" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_1ce4b89e-fa52-7101-5bea-622168a4559a" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637961835802579017" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_637961835802579017" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_1ce4b89e-fa52-7101-5bea-622168a4559a" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_637961835802579017" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_9743d583-dfae-6ae9-f133-a1e331df792c" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_9743d583-dfae-6ae9-f133-a1e331df792c" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637961835802579017" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637961835802579017" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637961835802579017" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637961835802579017" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_637961835802589081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_637961835802589081" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637961835802589081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637961835802589081" order="4" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637961835802589081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637961835802589081" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_637961835802589081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_637961835802589081" order="6" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637961835802589081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637961835802589081" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_637961835802589081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_637961835802589081" order="8" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_637961835802589081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_637961835802589081" order="9" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpensesOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpensesOther_637961835802589081" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpensesOther_637961835802589081" order="10" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_637961835802599108" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_637961835802599108" order="11" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_637961835802599108" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_637961835802599108" order="12" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#xelb_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffAndExpense" xlink:label="xelb_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffAndExpense_637961835802599108" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="xelb_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffAndExpense_637961835802599108" order="13" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability_637961835802599108" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637961835802579017" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability_637961835802599108" order="14" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637961835802599108" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_9743d583-dfae-6ae9-f133-a1e331df792c" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637961835802599108" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets_637961835802599108" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637961835802599108" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets_637961835802599108" order="1" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#xelb_NetProceedsFromSaleOfMajorityInterestInInvestingActivity" xlink:label="xelb_NetProceedsFromSaleOfMajorityInterestInInvestingActivity_637961835802609104" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637961835802599108" xlink:to="xelb_NetProceedsFromSaleOfMajorityInterestInInvestingActivity_637961835802609104" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#xelb_PaymentsToAcquireOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="xelb_PaymentsToAcquireOtherIntangibleAssets_637961835802609104" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637961835802599108" xlink:to="xelb_PaymentsToAcquireOtherIntangibleAssets_637961835802609104" order="3" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_637961835802609104" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637961835802599108" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_637961835802609104" order="4" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637961835802609104" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_9743d583-dfae-6ae9-f133-a1e331df792c" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637961835802609104" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_637961835802609104" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637961835802609104" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_637961835802609104" order="1" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_637961835802609104" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637961835802609104" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_637961835802609104" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_637961835802619098" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637961835802609104" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_637961835802619098" order="3" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_637961835802619098" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637961835802609104" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_637961835802619098" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_637961835802619098" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637961835802609104" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_637961835802619098" order="5" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_637961835802619098" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637961835802609104" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_637961835802619098" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_637961835802619098" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637961835802609104" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_637961835802619098" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesScheduleOfTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40302 - Disclosure - Trademarks and Other Intangibles - Schedule of Trademarks and Other Intangibles (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_e52879aa-5fc1-863a-9bc7-07b154238ef5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_637961835802629377" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_e52879aa-5fc1-863a-9bc7-07b154238ef5" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_637961835802629377" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_637961835802629377" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_e52879aa-5fc1-863a-9bc7-07b154238ef5" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_637961835802629377" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_af012273-e8ee-655c-daa2-86b96989d377" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_af012273-e8ee-655c-daa2-86b96989d377" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_637961835802629377" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_637961835802629377" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_af012273-e8ee-655c-daa2-86b96989d377" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_637961835802629377" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_637961835802629377" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_637961835802629377" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_637961835802629377" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_637961835802629377" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_637961835802629377" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetailsCalc2" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40502 - Disclosure - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) (Calc2)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20220630.xsd#xelb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive" xlink:label="xelb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637961835802639101" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="xelb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637961835802639101" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637961835802759300" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637961835802759300" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637961835802769079" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637961835802769079" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637961835802769079" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637961835802769079" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637961835802769079" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637961835802769079" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637961835802769079" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637961835802769079" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtAndOtherLongTermLiabilitiesNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetailsCalc2" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40601 - Disclosure - Debt and Other Long-term Liabilities - Net Carrying Amount of Debt (Details) (Calc2)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_637961835802779010" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_637961835802779010" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_637961835802779010" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_637961835802779010" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40602 - Disclosure - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637961835802779010" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637961835802779010" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637961835802779010" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637961835802779010" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637961835802779010" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637961835802779010" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637961835802779010" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637961835802779010" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637961835802779010" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637961835802779010" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40702 - Disclosure - Debt - Net Carrying Amount of Debt (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_637961835802789009" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_637961835802789009" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_637961835802789009" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_637961835802789009" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsLossPerShareBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40901 - Disclosure - Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_637961835802789009" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_637961835802789009" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants_637961835802789009" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants_637961835802789009" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_637961835802789009" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_637961835802789009" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
</link:linkbase>
