<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  9.8.1.3 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 11/13/2020 4:44:12 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 11/13/2020 4:44:12 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">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangibles" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangibles" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureSignificantContracts" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureSignificantContracts" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureLeases" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeases" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebt" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebt" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureGovernmentAssistance" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureGovernmentAssistance" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShare" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTax" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTax" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesTables" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesTables" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebtTables" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityTables" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesScheduleOfAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesScheduleOfAssetsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesAdditionalInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureSignificantContractsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureSignificantContractsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebtNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebtXcelLoanNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtXcelLoanNarrativeDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebtXcelTermLoanFixedInstallmentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtXcelTermLoanFixedInstallmentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebtXcelTermLoanRemainingPrincipalPaymentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtXcelTermLoanRemainingPrincipalPaymentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebtScheduleOfFixedChargeCoverageRatiosAndLeverageRatiosDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtScheduleOfFixedChargeCoverageRatiosAndLeverageRatiosDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureGovernmentAssistancePppLoanDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureGovernmentAssistancePppLoanDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureGovernmentAssistanceEconomicIncentiveDisasterLoanDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureGovernmentAssistanceEconomicIncentiveDisasterLoanDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquity2011EquityIncentivePlanDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquity2011EquityIncentivePlanDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityStockOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityStockOptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityNonVestedOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityNonVestedOptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityWarrantsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityWarrantsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityStockAwardsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityStockAwardsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareDilutiveEarningsPerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDilutiveEarningsPerShareDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareAntiDilutiveSecuritiesExcludedDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareAntiDilutiveSecuritiesExcludedDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00090 - Document - Document and Entity Information" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:label="dei_CoverAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType_637408826493599841" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType_637408826493599841" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_637408826493629926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_637408826493629926" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName_637408826493639955" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory_637408826493639955" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_Security12bTitle_637408826493639955" order="5" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_TradingSymbol_637408826493639955" order="6" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_SecurityExchangeName_637408826493639955" order="7" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_637408826493639955" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_637408826493639955" order="9" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_637408826493639955" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_637408826493639955" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityShellCompany_637408826493639955" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_637408826493639955" order="13" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag_637408826493639955" order="14" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_637408826493639955" order="15" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_637408826493639955" order="16" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_637408826493639955" order="17" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_637408826493639955" order="18" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00100 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_63C8F65848AA1BDF44635CF171481932" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_63C8F65848AA1BDF44635CF171481932" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637408826493639955" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637408826493639955" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_637408826493639955" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_637408826493639955" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryNet_637408826493649980" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_InventoryNet_637408826493649980" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637408826493649980" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637408826493649980" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637408826493660008" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637408826493660008" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637408826493660008" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_637408826493660008" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_637408826493660008" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637408826493660008" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637408826493660008" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637408826493639955" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets_637408826493660008" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_63C8F65848AA1BDF44635CF171481932" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493660008" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_637408826493660008" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637408826493660008" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637408826493660008" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637408826493660008" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_637408826493660008" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_637408826493660008" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637408826493670033" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_637408826493670033" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637408826493670033" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_637408826493670033" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_637408826493670033" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_637408826493670033" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826493670033" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826493670033" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities_637408826493670033" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_637408826493670033" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493670033" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637408826493670033" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637408826493670033" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_637408826493670033" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_637408826493670033" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637408826493680062" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637408826493680062" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterest_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterest_637408826493680062" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493670033" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826493680062" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637408826493660008" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_637408826493680062" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00105 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_36ED196B1B635BF8960C02DF3FC58437" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_36ED196B1B635BF8960C02DF3FC58437" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_637408826493680062" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_36ED196B1B635BF8960C02DF3FC58437" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637408826493680062" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_36ED196B1B635BF8960C02DF3FC58437" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_637408826493680062" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_36ED196B1B635BF8960C02DF3FC58437" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_637408826493680062" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_36ED196B1B635BF8960C02DF3FC58437" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_637408826493680062" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_36ED196B1B635BF8960C02DF3FC58437" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637408826493680062" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_36ED196B1B635BF8960C02DF3FC58437" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_637408826493680062" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_36ED196B1B635BF8960C02DF3FC58437" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_637408826493680062" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_637408826493680062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_36ED196B1B635BF8960C02DF3FC58437" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_637408826493680062" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00200 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_D3A1DDB6FC90AA4326394CF933E60F81" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_D3A1DDB6FC90AA4326394CF933E60F81" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable_637408826493690087" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637408826493690087" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_637408826493690087" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_637408826493690087" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_637408826493690087" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LicenseMember_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_LicenseMember_637408826493690087" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductMember_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductMember_637408826493690087" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_637408826493690087" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637408826493690087" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_637408826493690087" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit" xlink:label="us-gaap_GrossProfit_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_GrossProfit_637408826493690087" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_637408826493690087" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_637408826493690087" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637408826493690087" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_637408826493690087" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637408826493690087" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637408826493690087" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses" xlink:label="xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" xlink:to="xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses_637408826493690087" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_637408826493690087" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826493690087" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_637408826493690087" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_637408826493690087" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637408826493700111" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpenseAbstract_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpenseAbstract_637408826493700111" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpenseAbstract_637408826493700111" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637408826493700111" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpenseAbstract_637408826493700111" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637408826493700111" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpenseAbstract_637408826493700111" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_637408826493700111" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_637408826493700111" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637408826493700111" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637408826493700111" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826493700111" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637408826493700111" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_637408826493700111" order="13" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_637408826493700111" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_637408826493700111" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_637408826493700111" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_637408826493700111" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_637408826493700111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493690087" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_637408826493700111" order="14" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_637408826493710136" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_637408826493700111" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_637408826493710136" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_637408826493710136" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_637408826493700111" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_637408826493710136" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00300 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_C91DD77B19A23D2DB8414CF83F4D7C57" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_637408826493710136" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_C91DD77B19A23D2DB8414CF83F4D7C57" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable_637408826493710136" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637408826493710136" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637408826493710136" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637408826493710136" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_637408826493710136" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637408826493710136" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_637408826493710136" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_637408826493710136" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637408826493710136" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_637408826493710136" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_637408826493710136" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637408826493710136" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_637408826493710136" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_637408826493710136" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637408826493710136" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_637408826493710136" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637408826493710136" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_637408826493715172" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637408826493710136" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493715172" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826493715172" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_637408826493715172" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions_637408826493715172" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_637408826493715172" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_637408826493715172" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_637408826493715172" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_637408826493715172" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_637408826493715172" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_637408826493715172" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_637408826493720183" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_637408826493720183" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_637408826493720183" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_637408826493720183" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_637408826493720183" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_637408826493720183" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_637408826493720183" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_637408826493720183" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSaleOfParentEquityInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSaleOfParentEquityInterest_637408826493720183" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSaleOfParentEquityInterest_637408826493720183" order="13" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637408826493720183" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637408826493720183" order="14" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826493720183" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826493720183" order="15" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_637408826493720183" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_637408826493715172" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_637408826493720183" order="16" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00400 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_AB554426595B215FD1CD5CF170D99E29" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_AB554426595B215FD1CD5CF170D99E29" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637408826493725197" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637408826493725197" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637408826493725197" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637408826493725197" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_637408826493725197" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_637408826493725197" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_637408826493725197" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_637408826493725197" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637408826493725197" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637408826493725197" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_637408826493725197" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_637408826493725197" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_637408826493730212" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_637408826493730212" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637408826493730212" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637408826493730212" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637408826493730212" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637408826493730212" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_637408826493730212" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_637408826493730212" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GainOnReductionOfContingentObligations" xlink:label="xelb_GainOnReductionOfContingentObligations_637408826493730212" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="xelb_GainOnReductionOfContingentObligations_637408826493730212" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637408826493730212" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637408826493730212" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_637408826493730212" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637408826493730212" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_637408826493730212" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_637408826493730212" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637408826493730212" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_637408826493730212" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpensesOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpensesOther_637408826493735507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637408826493730212" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpensesOther_637408826493735507" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_637408826493735507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637408826493730212" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_637408826493735507" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidRent" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidRent_637408826493735507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637408826493730212" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidRent_637408826493735507" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_637408826493735507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637408826493730212" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_637408826493735507" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826493735507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493725197" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826493735507" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_AB554426595B215FD1CD5CF170D99E29" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets_637408826493740244" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets_637408826493740244" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets_637408826493740244" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets_637408826493740244" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_637408826493740244" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_637408826493740244" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637408826493740244" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637408826493740244" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_AB554426595B215FD1CD5CF170D99E29" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_637408826493740244" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_637408826493740244" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_637408826493745251" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_637408826493745251" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_637408826493745251" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_637408826493745251" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_637408826493745251" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_637408826493745251" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_637408826493745251" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_637408826493745251" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637408826493745251" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637408826493740244" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637408826493745251" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_637408826493745251" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_AB554426595B215FD1CD5CF170D99E29" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_637408826493745251" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_637408826493750265" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_AB554426595B215FD1CD5CF170D99E29" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_637408826493750265" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_6374088264937502651" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_AB554426595B215FD1CD5CF170D99E29" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_6374088264937502651" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ReconciliationToAmountsOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract" xlink:label="xelb_ReconciliationToAmountsOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract_637408826493750265" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_AB554426595B215FD1CD5CF170D99E29" xlink:to="xelb_ReconciliationToAmountsOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract_637408826493750265" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637408826493750265" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_ReconciliationToAmountsOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract_637408826493750265" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637408826493750265" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_637408826493750265" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_ReconciliationToAmountsOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract_637408826493750265" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_637408826493750265" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_63740882649375026512" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_ReconciliationToAmountsOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract_637408826493750265" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_63740882649375026512" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_637408826493755279" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_AB554426595B215FD1CD5CF170D99E29" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_637408826493755279" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetNonCash" xlink:label="xelb_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetNonCash_637408826493755279" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_637408826493755279" xlink:to="xelb_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetNonCash_637408826493755279" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNonCash" xlink:label="xelb_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNonCash_637408826493755279" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_637408826493755279" xlink:to="xelb_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNonCash_637408826493755279" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AccruedRentOffsetToOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets" xlink:label="xelb_AccruedRentOffsetToOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets_637408826493755279" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_637408826493755279" xlink:to="xelb_AccruedRentOffsetToOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets_637408826493755279" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReduction" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesReduction_637408826493755279" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_637408826493755279" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesReduction_637408826493755279" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_SettlementOfContingentObligation" xlink:label="xelb_SettlementOfContingentObligation_637408826493760290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_637408826493755279" xlink:to="xelb_SettlementOfContingentObligation_637408826493760290" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssued1" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssued1_637408826493760290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_637408826493755279" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssued1_637408826493760290" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ContingentObligationOfAssetsAcquiredAtFairValue" xlink:label="xelb_ContingentObligationOfAssetsAcquiredAtFairValue_637408826493760290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_637408826493755279" xlink:to="xelb_ContingentObligationOfAssetsAcquiredAtFairValue_637408826493760290" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LiabilityForEquityBasedBonuses" xlink:label="xelb_LiabilityForEquityBasedBonuses_637408826493760290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_637408826493755279" xlink:to="xelb_LiabilityForEquityBasedBonuses_637408826493760290" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_637408826493760290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_AB554426595B215FD1CD5CF170D99E29" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_637408826493760290" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_637408826493765304" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_637408826493760290" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_637408826493765304" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_637408826493765304" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_637408826493760290" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_637408826493765304" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10101 - Disclosure - Nature of Operations, Background, and Basis of Presentation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_9CDA4E7235215C4DB6D756E97635C2C4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493765304" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_9CDA4E7235215C4DB6D756E97635C2C4" xlink:to="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493765304" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangibles" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10201 - Disclosure - Trademarks and Other Intangibles" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_439610FF446953AC98ED8E3551F9EE5B" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493770318" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_439610FF446953AC98ED8E3551F9EE5B" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493770318" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureSignificantContracts" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10301 - Disclosure - Significant Contracts" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_SignificantContractsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_xelb_SignificantContractsAbstract_70E077A183825E509AB36D6D3A8BBD25" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493775336" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_xelb_SignificantContractsAbstract_70E077A183825E509AB36D6D3A8BBD25" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493775336" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10401 - Disclosure - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditLossAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditLossAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlock_637408826493780347" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlock_637408826493780347" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeases" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10501 - Disclosure - Leases" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_99D9EA68959C5066BAE9B8EDAC513D49" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_637408826493785361" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_99D9EA68959C5066BAE9B8EDAC513D49" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_637408826493785361" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebt" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10601 - Disclosure - Debt" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_1FD9501D264E563E9EA8195F99ADC426" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock_637408826493785361" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_1FD9501D264E563E9EA8195F99ADC426" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock_637408826493785361" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureGovernmentAssistance" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10701 - Disclosure - Government assistance" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtraordinaryAndUnusualItemsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExtraordinaryAndUnusualItemsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemsDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493785361" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ExtraordinaryAndUnusualItemsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemsDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493785361" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10801 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_E7F1214AEE385670A6D3B965F4986E83" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493790372" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_E7F1214AEE385670A6D3B965F4986E83" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493790372" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10901 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E934CAC483AF5A4EB698D1FE23D6F304" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_637408826493790372" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E934CAC483AF5A4EB698D1FE23D6F304" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_637408826493790372" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTax" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11001 - Disclosure - Income Tax" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_C0F6614099785E2D8BC8006FB93BD2F3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493790372" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_C0F6614099785E2D8BC8006FB93BD2F3" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493790372" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11101 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_BD01E1B2CEE25EC3AE633F465466D621" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493795386" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_BD01E1B2CEE25EC3AE633F465466D621" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493795386" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11201 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493795386" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_637408826493795386" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="20102 - Disclosure - Nature of Operations, Background, and Basis of Presentation (Policies)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_9F7DF57F02E359B8B1840FD517BED3D9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_637408826493795386" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_9F7DF57F02E359B8B1840FD517BED3D9" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_637408826493795386" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30203 - Disclosure - Trademarks and Other Intangibles (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_FD8D58AABA1F5813B83C2E218AC4831F" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTableTextBlock_637408826493800397" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_FD8D58AABA1F5813B83C2E218AC4831F" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTableTextBlock_637408826493800397" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30503 - Disclosure - Leases (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_02EB8401A56F54BE8AF7CB84B50A0F46" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_637408826493800397" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_02EB8401A56F54BE8AF7CB84B50A0F46" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_637408826493800397" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30603 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_F2D44EA3E479521B9DF2CD33E1212ED1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_637408826493800397" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_F2D44EA3E479521B9DF2CD33E1212ED1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_637408826493800397" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_637408826493800397" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_F2D44EA3E479521B9DF2CD33E1212ED1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_637408826493800397" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_637408826493800397" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_F2D44EA3E479521B9DF2CD33E1212ED1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_637408826493800397" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30803 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_61B277108C08D592726C98BA2C8E9A08" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_637408826493805411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_61B277108C08D592726C98BA2C8E9A08" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_637408826493805411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockOptionsRollForwardTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockOptionsRollForwardTableTextBlock_637408826493805411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_61B277108C08D592726C98BA2C8E9A08" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockOptionsRollForwardTableTextBlock_637408826493805411" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementWarrantsAwardsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementWarrantsAwardsActivityTableTextBlock_637408826493805411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_61B277108C08D592726C98BA2C8E9A08" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementWarrantsAwardsActivityTableTextBlock_637408826493805411" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_637408826493805411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_61B277108C08D592726C98BA2C8E9A08" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_637408826493805411" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30903 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_8B969B1FE5A45467BFDD384535F83285" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_637408826493805411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_8B969B1FE5A45467BFDD384535F83285" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_637408826493805411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_637408826493805411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_8B969B1FE5A45467BFDD384535F83285" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_637408826493805411" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40101 - Disclosure - Nature of Operations, Background, and Basis of Presentation (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_8A8FF772F5648D9B1B644C7FFDCBA11D" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_637408826493805411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_8A8FF772F5648D9B1B644C7FFDCBA11D" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_637408826493805411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipAxis_637408826493810425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_637408826493805411" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipAxis_637408826493810425" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain_637408826493810425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis_637408826493810425" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain_637408826493810425" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LongabergerLicensingLLCMember" xlink:label="xelb_LongabergerLicensingLLCMember_637408826493810425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain_637408826493810425" xlink:to="xelb_LongabergerLicensingLLCMember_637408826493810425" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_637408826493810425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_637408826493805411" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_637408826493810425" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_637408826493810425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_637408826493810425" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_637408826493810425" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_637408826493810425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_637408826493810425" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_637408826493810425" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_637408826493810425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_637408826493805411" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_637408826493810425" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage_637408826493810425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_637408826493810425" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage_637408826493810425" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesScheduleOfAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40201 - Disclosure - Trademarks and Other Intangibles - Schedule of Assets (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_4E51BB2AE4A242FC128C4C7FFD7C0354" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" xlink:label="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_637408826493810425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_4E51BB2AE4A242FC128C4C7FFD7C0354" xlink:to="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_637408826493810425" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionAxis_637408826493810425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_637408826493810425" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionAxis_637408826493810425" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionDomain_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_AssetAcquisitionAxis_637408826493810425" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionDomain_637408826493815440" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_HalstonHeritageMember" xlink:label="xelb_HalstonHeritageMember_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_AssetAcquisitionDomain_637408826493815440" xlink:to="xelb_HalstonHeritageMember_637408826493815440" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_637408826493810425" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826493815440" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493815440" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TrademarksMember_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_TrademarksMember_637408826493815440" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_637408826493810425" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826493815440" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493815440" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TrademarksMember_6374088264938154401" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_TrademarksMember_6374088264938154401" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_637408826493815440" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntellectualPropertyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntellectualPropertyMember_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntellectualPropertyMember_637408826493815440" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems" xlink:label="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_637408826493810425" xlink:to="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_637408826493815440" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_637408826493815440" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationGuidance" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_637408826493815440" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_637408826493815440" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_637408826493820450" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_637408826493820450" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_637408826493820450" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_637408826493820450" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_637408826493820450" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_637408826493820450" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_637408826493820450" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_637408826493820450" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_637408826493820450" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_637408826493815440" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_637408826493820450" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40202 - Disclosure - Trademarks and Other Intangibles - Additional Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_7B2F89C237E78E1AFEF34C7FFD4FC859" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ScheduleOfGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="xelb_ScheduleOfGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTable_637408826493820450" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_7B2F89C237E78E1AFEF34C7FFD4FC859" xlink:to="xelb_ScheduleOfGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTable_637408826493820450" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826493820450" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_ScheduleOfGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTable_637408826493820450" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826493820450" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826493820450" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493825464" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_RipkaBrandsMember" xlink:label="xelb_RipkaBrandsMember_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826493825464" xlink:to="xelb_RipkaBrandsMember_637408826493825464" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="xelb_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsLineItems_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_ScheduleOfGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTable_637408826493820450" xlink:to="xelb_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsLineItems_637408826493825464" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsLineItems_637408826493825464" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_637408826493825464" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsLineItems_637408826493825464" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_637408826493825464" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureSignificantContractsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40301 - Disclosure - Significant Contracts (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_SignificantContractsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_xelb_SignificantContractsAbstract_2B84C1A945EDC0FF13D34C7FFD0418DC" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_xelb_SignificantContractsAbstract_2B84C1A945EDC0FF13D34C7FFD0418DC" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_637408826493825464" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_637408826493825464" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_637408826493825464" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_637408826493825464" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_637408826493825464" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalesMember_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_637408826493825464" xlink:to="us-gaap_SalesMember_637408826493825464" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_637408826493825464" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember_637408826493825464" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_637408826493825464" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_637408826493825464" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_637408826493825464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_637408826493825464" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_637408826493825464" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_637408826493830479" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_637408826493825464" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_637408826493830479" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_637408826493830479" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_637408826493825464" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_637408826493830479" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_637408826493830479" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_637408826493830479" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_637408826493830479" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_QVCInc.Member" xlink:label="xelb_QVCInc.Member_637408826493830479" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_637408826493830479" xlink:to="xelb_QVCInc.Member_637408826493830479" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_637408826493830479" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_637408826493825464" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_637408826493830479" order="4" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637408826493830479" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_637408826493830479" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637408826493830479" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_637408826493830479" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_637408826493830479" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_637408826493830479" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_637408826493830479" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_637408826493830479" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_637408826493830479" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40401 - Disclosure - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditLossAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditLossAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_637408826493835493" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_637408826493835493" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_637408826493835493" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_637408826493835493" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_637408826493835493" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_Covid19Member" xlink:label="xelb_Covid19Member_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_637408826493835493" xlink:to="xelb_Covid19Member_637408826493835493" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_637408826493835493" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_637408826493835493" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_637408826493835493" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_637408826493835493" order="1" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_637408826493835493" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_637408826493835493" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_637408826493835493" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_637408826493835493" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40501 - Disclosure - Leases - Additional Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_FB44366BF691654239A748091D97021E" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_FB44366BF691654239A748091D97021E" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_637408826493835493" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_637408826493835493" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_637408826493835493" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_637408826493835493" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_637408826493835493" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_637408826493835493" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_637408826493840507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_637408826493835493" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_637408826493840507" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_637408826493840507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_637408826493835493" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_637408826493840507" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_637408826493840507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_637408826493835493" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_637408826493840507" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_637408826493840507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_637408826493840507" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_637408826493840507" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_637408826493840507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_637408826493840507" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_637408826493840507" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_637408826493840507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_637408826493840507" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_637408826493840507" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_637408826493840507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_637408826493840507" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_637408826493840507" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_637408826493840507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_637408826493840507" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_637408826493840507" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40502 - Disclosure - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637408826493840507" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637408826493840507" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637408826493845518" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637408826493845518" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637408826493845518" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637408826493845518" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637408826493845518" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637408826493845518" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637408826493845518" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637408826493845518" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive" xlink:label="xelb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637408826493845518" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="xelb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637408826493845518" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_637408826493845518" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_637408826493845518" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637408826493845518" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637408826493845518" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637408826493845518" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637408826493845518" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637408826493845518" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637408826493845518" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637408826493845518" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_A457E66221D850769D00C6CF6B0AEA38" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637408826493845518" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40601 - Disclosure - Debt - Net Carrying Amount of Debt (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_BD480E44CDB65707B60B35AC82A91C70" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493850532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_BD480E44CDB65707B60B35AC82A91C70" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493850532" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493850532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493850532" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493850532" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493850532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493850532" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493850532" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_XcelTermLoanMember" xlink:label="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493850532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493850532" xlink:to="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493850532" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493850532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493850532" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493850532" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_637408826493850532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493850532" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_637408826493850532" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_637408826493850532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493850532" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_637408826493850532" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_637408826493850532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493850532" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_637408826493850532" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LongTermDebtAndContingentObligations" xlink:label="xelb_LongTermDebtAndContingentObligations_637408826493865575" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493850532" xlink:to="xelb_LongTermDebtAndContingentObligations_637408826493865575" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493850532" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_637408826493870586" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493850532" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_637408826493870586" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtXcelLoanNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40602 - Disclosure - Debt - Xcel Loan Narrative (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_61EF4FB34DD4AC9C81F55CF16FFFCA2D" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_61EF4FB34DD4AC9C81F55CF16FFFCA2D" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodAxis" xlink:label="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodAxis_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodAxis_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodDomain" xlink:label="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodDomain_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodAxis_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodDomain_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodOnOrBeforeSecondAnniversaryMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodOnOrBeforeSecondAnniversaryMember_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodDomain_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodOnOrBeforeSecondAnniversaryMember_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodAfterSecondAnniversaryButBeforeThirdAnniversaryMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodAfterSecondAnniversaryButBeforeThirdAnniversaryMember_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodDomain_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodAfterSecondAnniversaryButBeforeThirdAnniversaryMember_637408826493870586" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodAfterThirdAnniversaryMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodAfterThirdAnniversaryMember_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodDomain_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_DebtTerminationPeriodAfterThirdAnniversaryMember_637408826493870586" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493870586" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_637408826493870586" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_637408826493870586" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_637408826493870586" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AmendmentAxis" xlink:label="xelb_AmendmentAxis_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_AmendmentAxis_637408826493870586" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AmendmentDomain" xlink:label="xelb_AmendmentDomain_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_AmendmentAxis_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_AmendmentDomain_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AmendmentFebruary112019Member" xlink:label="xelb_AmendmentFebruary112019Member_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_AmendmentDomain_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_AmendmentFebruary112019Member_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493870586" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493870586" order="4" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493870586" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_XcelTermLoanMember" xlink:label="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AdditionalTermLoanMember" xlink:label="xelb_AdditionalTermLoanMember_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_AdditionalTermLoanMember_637408826493870586" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_XcelTermLoanLoanMember" xlink:label="xelb_XcelTermLoanLoanMember_637408826493870586" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_XcelTermLoanLoanMember_637408826493870586" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_XcelTermLoanLoanBMember" xlink:label="xelb_XcelTermLoanLoanBMember_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_XcelTermLoanLoanBMember_637408826493880636" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493870586" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_637408826493880636" order="5" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_637408826493880636" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_637408826493880636" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_637408826493880636" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_637408826493880636" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodAxis" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodAxis_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493870586" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodAxis_637408826493880636" order="6" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodAxis_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493880636" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ThroughDecember312020Member" xlink:label="xelb_ThroughDecember312020Member_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_ThroughDecember312020Member_637408826493880636" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_FiscalQuartersEndingMarch312021ThroughSeptember302021Member" xlink:label="xelb_FiscalQuartersEndingMarch312021ThroughSeptember302021Member_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_FiscalQuartersEndingMarch312021ThroughSeptember302021Member_637408826493880636" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312021Member" xlink:label="xelb_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312021Member_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312021Member_637408826493880636" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AfterDecember312021Member" xlink:label="xelb_AfterDecember312021Member_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_AfterDecember312021Member_637408826493880636" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_TwelveMonthFiscalPeriodEndingSeptember302020Member" xlink:label="xelb_TwelveMonthFiscalPeriodEndingSeptember302020Member_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_TwelveMonthFiscalPeriodEndingSeptember302020Member_637408826493880636" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_FiscalYearEndingDecember312020Member" xlink:label="xelb_FiscalYearEndingDecember312020Member_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_FiscalYearEndingDecember312020Member_637408826493880636" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_FiscalYearBeginningAfterDecember312020Member" xlink:label="xelb_FiscalYearBeginningAfterDecember312020Member_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_FiscalYearBeginningAfterDecember312020Member_637408826493880636" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493870586" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_637408826493880636" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_637408826493880636" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_NumberOfLoans" xlink:label="xelb_NumberOfLoans_637408826493890661" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_NumberOfLoans_637408826493890661" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637408826493890661" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637408826493890661" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_637408826493890661" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_637408826493890661" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LineOfCreditFacilityCapacityAvailableToConvertToIncrementalTermLoansMinimumAmount" xlink:label="xelb_LineOfCreditFacilityCapacityAvailableToConvertToIncrementalTermLoansMinimumAmount_637408826493890661" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_LineOfCreditFacilityCapacityAvailableToConvertToIncrementalTermLoansMinimumAmount_637408826493890661" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtInstrumentTerminationFeePercentage" xlink:label="xelb_DebtInstrumentTerminationFeePercentage_637408826493890661" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_DebtInstrumentTerminationFeePercentage_637408826493890661" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_MaximumPrepaymentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="xelb_MaximumPrepaymentOfDebtAmount_637408826493890661" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_MaximumPrepaymentOfDebtAmount_637408826493890661" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_637408826493890661" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_637408826493890661" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_637408826493890661" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_637408826493890661" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumNetWorth" xlink:label="xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumNetWorth_637408826493900682" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumNetWorth_637408826493900682" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumLiquidAssets" xlink:label="xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumLiquidAssets_637408826493900682" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumLiquidAssets_637408826493900682" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_EarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationAmount" xlink:label="xelb_EarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationAmount_637408826493900682" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_EarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationAmount_637408826493900682" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantMaximumCapitalExpenditures" xlink:label="xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantMaximumCapitalExpenditures_637408826493900682" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantMaximumCapitalExpenditures_637408826493900682" order="13" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637408826493900682" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637408826493900682" order="14" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod_637408826493900682" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod_637408826493900682" order="15" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LoanToBeRepaidAsPercentageOfExcessCashFlowPercent" xlink:label="xelb_LoanToBeRepaidAsPercentageOfExcessCashFlowPercent_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493880636" xlink:to="xelb_LoanToBeRepaidAsPercentageOfExcessCashFlowPercent_637408826493910729" order="16" use="optional" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtXcelTermLoanFixedInstallmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40603 - Disclosure - Debt - Xcel Term Loan Fixed Installments (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_37F98EBAACAE83CC6DB697AA6EF8C292" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_37F98EBAACAE83CC6DB697AA6EF8C292" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493910729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrincipalPaymentsEffectivePeriodAxis" xlink:label="xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrincipalPaymentsEffectivePeriodAxis_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493910729" xlink:to="xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrincipalPaymentsEffectivePeriodAxis_637408826493910729" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrinciplePaymentsEffectivePeriodDomain" xlink:label="xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrinciplePaymentsEffectivePeriodDomain_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrincipalPaymentsEffectivePeriodAxis_637408826493910729" xlink:to="xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrinciplePaymentsEffectivePeriodDomain_637408826493910729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_PaymentPeriodOneMember" xlink:label="xelb_PaymentPeriodOneMember_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrinciplePaymentsEffectivePeriodDomain_637408826493910729" xlink:to="xelb_PaymentPeriodOneMember_637408826493910729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_PaymentPeriodTwoMember" xlink:label="xelb_PaymentPeriodTwoMember_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrinciplePaymentsEffectivePeriodDomain_637408826493910729" xlink:to="xelb_PaymentPeriodTwoMember_637408826493910729" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_PaymentPeriodFourMember" xlink:label="xelb_PaymentPeriodFourMember_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrinciplePaymentsEffectivePeriodDomain_637408826493910729" xlink:to="xelb_PaymentPeriodFourMember_637408826493910729" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_PaymentPeriodFiveMember" xlink:label="xelb_PaymentPeriodFiveMember_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtInstrumentsQuarterlyPrinciplePaymentsEffectivePeriodDomain_637408826493910729" xlink:to="xelb_PaymentPeriodFiveMember_637408826493910729" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493910729" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493910729" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493910729" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493910729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_XcelTermLoanMember" xlink:label="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493910729" xlink:to="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493910729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493910729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493910729" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493910729" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalQuarterlyInstallments" xlink:label="xelb_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalQuarterlyInstallments_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493910729" xlink:to="xelb_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalQuarterlyInstallments_637408826493920757" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LoanToBeRepaidAsPercentageOfExcessCashFlowPercent" xlink:label="xelb_LoanToBeRepaidAsPercentageOfExcessCashFlowPercent_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493910729" xlink:to="xelb_LoanToBeRepaidAsPercentageOfExcessCashFlowPercent_637408826493920757" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_MinimumPrincipalVariablePayment" xlink:label="xelb_MinimumPrincipalVariablePayment_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493910729" xlink:to="xelb_MinimumPrincipalVariablePayment_637408826493920757" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtXcelTermLoanRemainingPrincipalPaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40604 - Disclosure - Debt - Xcel Term Loan Remaining Principal Payments (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493920757" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493920757" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493920757" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493920757" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493920757" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_XcelTermLoanMember" xlink:label="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493920757" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493920757" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493920757" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493920757" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_637408826493920757" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493920757" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_637408826493920757" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493920757" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_637408826493920757" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493920757" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_637408826493920757" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493920757" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_637408826493920757" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtScheduleOfFixedChargeCoverageRatiosAndLeverageRatiosDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40605 - Disclosure - Debt - Schedule of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratios and Leverage Ratios (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_E57B1CA30C530B41C7105CF16FD3D484" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_E57B1CA30C530B41C7105CF16FD3D484" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493920757" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodAxis" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodAxis_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodAxis_637408826493920757" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodAxis_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodOneMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodOneMember_637408826493920757" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodOneMember_637408826493920757" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodTwoMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodTwoMember_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodTwoMember_637408826493930819" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodFourMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodFourMember_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodFourMember_637408826493930819" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodFiveMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodFiveMember_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodFiveMember_637408826493930819" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodSixMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodSixMember_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodSixMember_637408826493930819" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodSevenMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodSevenMember_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodSevenMember_637408826493930819" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodEightMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodEightMember_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodEightMember_637408826493930819" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodNineMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodNineMember_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodNineMember_637408826493930819" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodTenMember" xlink:label="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodTenMember_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodDomain_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_DebtCovenantPeriodPeriodTenMember_637408826493930819" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AmendmentAxis" xlink:label="xelb_AmendmentAxis_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493920757" xlink:to="xelb_AmendmentAxis_637408826493930819" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AmendmentDomain" xlink:label="xelb_AmendmentDomain_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_AmendmentAxis_637408826493930819" xlink:to="xelb_AmendmentDomain_637408826493930819" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AmendmentFebruary112019Member" xlink:label="xelb_AmendmentFebruary112019Member_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_AmendmentDomain_637408826493930819" xlink:to="xelb_AmendmentFebruary112019Member_637408826493930819" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493920757" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493930819" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493930819" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493930819" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_XcelTermLoanMember" xlink:label="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493930819" xlink:to="xelb_XcelTermLoanMember_637408826493930819" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493920757" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493930819" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantFixedChargeCoverageRatio" xlink:label="xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantFixedChargeCoverageRatio_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493930819" xlink:to="xelb_DebtInstrumentCovenantFixedChargeCoverageRatio_637408826493930819" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1" xlink:label="us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_637408826493930819" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493930819" xlink:to="us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_637408826493930819" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureGovernmentAssistancePppLoanDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40701 - Disclosure - Government assistance - PPP Loan (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GovernmentAssistanceAbstract" xlink:label="xelb_GovernmentAssistanceAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_GovernmentAssistanceAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493940811" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493940811" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493940811" order="1" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_637408826493940811" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493940811" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_PaycheckProtectionProgramCaresActMember" xlink:label="xelb_PaycheckProtectionProgramCaresActMember_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637408826493940811" xlink:to="xelb_PaycheckProtectionProgramCaresActMember_637408826493940811" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493940811" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_637408826493940811" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_637408826493940811" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_637408826493940811" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses" xlink:label="xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" xlink:to="xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses_637408826493940811" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637408826493940811" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureGovernmentAssistanceEconomicIncentiveDisasterLoanDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40702 - Disclosure - Government assistance - Economic Incentive Disaster Loan (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GovernmentAssistanceAbstract" xlink:label="xelb_GovernmentAssistanceAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_GovernmentAssistanceAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493940811" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GovernmentAssistanceAxis" xlink:label="xelb_GovernmentAssistanceAxis_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493940811" xlink:to="xelb_GovernmentAssistanceAxis_637408826493940811" order="1" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GovernmentAssistanceDomain" xlink:label="xelb_GovernmentAssistanceDomain_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_GovernmentAssistanceAxis_637408826493940811" xlink:to="xelb_GovernmentAssistanceDomain_637408826493940811" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_EconomicIncentiveDisasterLoanMember" xlink:label="xelb_EconomicIncentiveDisasterLoanMember_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_GovernmentAssistanceDomain_637408826493940811" xlink:to="xelb_EconomicIncentiveDisasterLoanMember_637408826493940811" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_637408826493940811" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ProceedsFromGovernmentAssistance" xlink:label="xelb_ProceedsFromGovernmentAssistance_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" xlink:to="xelb_ProceedsFromGovernmentAssistance_637408826493940811" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses" xlink:label="xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses_637408826493940811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_637408826493940811" xlink:to="xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses_637408826493940811" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="5" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquity2011EquityIncentivePlanDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40801 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_EquityIncentivePlan2011Member" xlink:label="xelb_EquityIncentivePlan2011Member_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="xelb_EquityIncentivePlan2011Member_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493950832" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_637408826493950832" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_637408826493950832" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40802 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Stock Options (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_C754B946DA8F172272705CF16F6F9ACB" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_C754B946DA8F172272705CF16F6F9ACB" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis_637408826493950832" order="2" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember_637408826493950832" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember_637408826493950832" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_637408826493950832" order="3" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_6374088264939508321" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_6374088264939508321" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637408826493950832" order="4" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637408826493950832" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_BoardObserverMember" xlink:label="xelb_BoardObserverMember_637408826493950832" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="xelb_BoardObserverMember_637408826493950832" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ConsultantMember" xlink:label="xelb_ConsultantMember_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="xelb_ConsultantMember_637408826493960861" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_EmployeeMember" xlink:label="xelb_EmployeeMember_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="xelb_EmployeeMember_637408826493960861" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_CertainKeyEmployeeMember" xlink:label="xelb_CertainKeyEmployeeMember_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="xelb_CertainKeyEmployeeMember_637408826493960861" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_NonManagementDirectorsMember" xlink:label="xelb_NonManagementDirectorsMember_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826493950832" xlink:to="xelb_NonManagementDirectorsMember_637408826493960861" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493950832" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493960861" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_637408826493960861" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493960861" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_637408826493960861" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_637408826493960861" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCancellationsInPeriod" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCancellationsInPeriod_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCancellationsInPeriod_637408826493960861" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_637408826493960861" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod_637408826493960861" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_6374088264939608611" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_6374088264939608611" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_637408826493960861" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637408826493960861" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493960861" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493960861" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493970886" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageCancelledPrice" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageCancelledPrice_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageCancelledPrice_637408826493970886" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493970886" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493970886" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493970886" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637408826493970886" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493960861" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_637408826493970886" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_637408826493970886" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_637408826493970886" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_637408826493970886" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardPercentVested" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardPercentVested_637408826493970886" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardPercentVested_637408826493970886" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPercentagePerYear" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPercentagePerYear_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPercentagePerYear_637408826493980918" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_637408826493980918" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_637408826493980918" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826493970886" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_637408826493980918" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityNonVestedOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40803 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Non-Vested Options (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_C10C82084F4B53DEB3C30DE120857D6F" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_C10C82084F4B53DEB3C30DE120857D6F" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493980918" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_637408826493980918" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_637408826493980918" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_637408826493980918" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493980918" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493980918" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_637408826493980918" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_637408826493980918" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares_637408826493980918" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares_637408826493980918" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedOptionsForfeitedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedOptionsForfeitedNumberOfShares_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedOptionsForfeitedNumberOfShares_637408826493990939" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_637408826493990939" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493980918" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_637408826493990939" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826493990939" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826493990939" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826493990939" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedOptionsForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedOptionsForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedOptionsForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826493990939" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6374088264939909391" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6374088264939909391" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityWarrantsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40804 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Warrants (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_637245753329220526" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_637245753329220526" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493990939" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637408826493990939" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637408826493990939" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantMember_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantMember_637408826493990939" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis_637408826493990939" order="2" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637408826493990939" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_637408826493990939" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember_637408826493990939" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493990939" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_637408826493990939" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826493990939" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826493990939" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_637408826494000967" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_637408826494000967" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledInPeriod" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledInPeriod_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826493990939" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledInPeriod_637408826494000967" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_637408826494000967" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisesInPeriod" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisesInPeriod_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826493990939" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisesInPeriod_637408826494000967" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_637408826494000967" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6374088264940009671" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6374088264940009671" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494000967" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494000967" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494000967" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494000967" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494000967" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494000967" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494000967" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisesWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisesWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494000967" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisesWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494000967" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494000967" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494000967" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6374088264940009671" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494000967" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6374088264940009671" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms_637408826494000967" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueOutstanding_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueOutstanding_637408826494000967" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826494000967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826493990939" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826494000967" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826494000967" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_637408826494010992" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityStockAwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40805 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Stock Awards (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_637245781967152077" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_637245781967152077" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826494010992" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637408826494010992" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637408826494010992" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_637408826494010992" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ManagementStockBonusMember" xlink:label="xelb_ManagementStockBonusMember_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637408826494010992" xlink:to="xelb_ManagementStockBonusMember_637408826494010992" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826494010992" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637408826494010992" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637408826494010992" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826494010992" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_SeniorManagementMember" xlink:label="xelb_SeniorManagementMember_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826494010992" xlink:to="xelb_SeniorManagementMember_637408826494010992" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_EmployeesMember" xlink:label="xelb_EmployeesMember_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637408826494010992" xlink:to="xelb_EmployeesMember_637408826494010992" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826494010992" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826494010992" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_637408826494010992" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_637408826494010992" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledInPeriod" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledInPeriod_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826494010992" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledInPeriod_637408826494010992" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_637408826494010992" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_637408826494010992" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_637408826494010992" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6374088264940109921" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6374088264940109921" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494021021" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494021021" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494021021" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494021021" xlink:to="xelb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCanceledWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494021021" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494021021" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637408826494021021" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6374088264940210211" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6374088264940210211" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637408826494010992" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826494021021" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_637408826494021021" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_637408826494021021" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_637408826494021021" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDilutiveEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40901 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share - Dilutive Earnings Per Share (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_CA237B3E6F31545FB9014DF31AFE18BC" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTable" xlink:label="xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTable_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_CA237B3E6F31545FB9014DF31AFE18BC" xlink:to="xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTable_637408826494021021" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTable_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637408826494021021" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_637408826494021021" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantMember_637408826494021021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_637408826494021021" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantMember_637408826494021021" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedLineItems" xlink:label="xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedLineItems_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTable_637408826494021021" xlink:to="xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedLineItems_637408826494031053" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_637408826494031053" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustment" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustment_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustment_637408826494031053" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_637408826494031053" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareAntiDilutiveSecuritiesExcludedDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40902 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share - Anti-dilutive Securities Excluded (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_0780CD94B56A507D99DA8D5B49C1F13F" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_0780CD94B56A507D99DA8D5B49C1F13F" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_637408826494031053" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41001 - Disclosure - Income Tax (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_A14C48B7337E8E97DDB25D1B207667A6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemTable_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_A14C48B7337E8E97DDB25D1B207667A6" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemTable_637408826494031053" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemTable_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_637408826494031053" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_637408826494031053" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_Covid19Member" xlink:label="xelb_Covid19Member_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_637408826494031053" xlink:to="xelb_Covid19Member_637408826494031053" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemTable_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826494031053" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_637408826494031053" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637408826494031053" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost_637408826494031053" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_637408826494031053" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpense_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpense_637408826494031053" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOperatingLossCarryBackPercentCRESAct" xlink:label="xelb_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOperatingLossCarryBackPercentCRESAct_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="xelb_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOperatingLossCarryBackPercentCRESAct_637408826494031053" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_OperatingLossCarrybackExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="xelb_OperatingLossCarrybackExpirationPeriod_637408826494031053" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="xelb_OperatingLossCarrybackExpirationPeriod_637408826494031053" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637408826494031053" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable_637408826494041074" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41101 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_xelb_AssetAcquisitionsAbstract_68145CD0A24F56A0BA75BF54666764C8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_xelb_AssetAcquisitionsAbstract_68145CD0A24F56A0BA75BF54666764C8" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637408826494041074" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637408826494041074" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637408826494041074" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_HouseOfHalstonLLCMember" xlink:label="xelb_HouseOfHalstonLLCMember_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637408826494041074" xlink:to="xelb_HouseOfHalstonLLCMember_637408826494041074" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_637408826494041074" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_637408826494041074" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_637408826494041074" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_FormerDirectorMember" xlink:label="xelb_FormerDirectorMember_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_637408826494041074" xlink:to="xelb_FormerDirectorMember_637408826494041074" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_WifeOfRobertW.DlorenMember" xlink:label="xelb_WifeOfRobertW.DlorenMember_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_637408826494041074" xlink:to="xelb_WifeOfRobertW.DlorenMember_637408826494041074" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_HilcoTradingLlcMember" xlink:label="xelb_HilcoTradingLlcMember_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_637408826494041074" xlink:to="xelb_HilcoTradingLlcMember_637408826494041074" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_637408826494041074" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_637408826494041074" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_637408826494041074" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_637408826494041074" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_637408826494041074" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_637408826494041074" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_637408826494041074" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionAxis_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionAxis_637408826494041074" order="4" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionDomain_637408826494041074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_AssetAcquisitionAxis_637408826494041074" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionDomain_637408826494041074" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_HalstonHeritageMember" xlink:label="xelb_HalstonHeritageMember_637408826494051103" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="xelb_AssetAcquisitionDomain_637408826494041074" xlink:to="xelb_HalstonHeritageMember_637408826494051103" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_637408826494091574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_637408826494091574" order="5" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_637408826494091574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_637408826494091574" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_637408826494091574" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_RoyaltyTargetOneMember" xlink:label="xelb_RoyaltyTargetOneMember_637408826494091574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_637408826494091574" xlink:to="xelb_RoyaltyTargetOneMember_637408826494091574" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_RoyaltyTargetTwoMember" xlink:label="xelb_RoyaltyTargetTwoMember_637408826494091574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_637408826494091574" xlink:to="xelb_RoyaltyTargetTwoMember_637408826494091574" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_RoyaltyTargetThreeMember" xlink:label="xelb_RoyaltyTargetThreeMember_637408826494091574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_637408826494091574" xlink:to="xelb_RoyaltyTargetThreeMember_637408826494091574" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis_637408826494091574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis_637408826494091574" order="6" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_637408826494091574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis_637408826494091574" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_637408826494091574" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_HilcoTradingLlcMember" xlink:label="xelb_HilcoTradingLlcMember_637408826494091574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain_637408826494091574" xlink:to="xelb_HilcoTradingLlcMember_637408826494091574" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_HilcoGlobalMember" xlink:label="xelb_HilcoGlobalMember_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain_637408826494091574" xlink:to="xelb_HilcoGlobalMember_637408826494101574" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeAxis_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeAxis_637408826494101574" order="7" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeDomain_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeAxis_637408826494101574" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeDomain_637408826494101574" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_XcelBrandsInc.Member" xlink:label="xelb_XcelBrandsInc.Member_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeDomain_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_XcelBrandsInc.Member_637408826494101574" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LongabergerLicensingLLCMember" xlink:label="xelb_LongabergerLicensingLLCMember_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeDomain_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_LongabergerLicensingLLCMember_637408826494101574" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_637408826494101574" order="8" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_637408826494101574" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_637408826494101574" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductMember_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_637408826494101574" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductMember_637408826494101574" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494041074" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_637408826494101574" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_RelatedPartyTransactionsOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="xelb_RelatedPartyTransactionsOwnershipPercentage_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_RelatedPartyTransactionsOwnershipPercentage_637408826494101574" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_PaymentsForAssetAcquisitions" xlink:label="xelb_PaymentsForAssetAcquisitions_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_PaymentsForAssetAcquisitions_637408826494101574" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableCommonStockNumberOfShares" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableCommonStockNumberOfShares_637408826494101574" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableCommonStockNumberOfShares_637408826494101574" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableCommonStockFairValue" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableCommonStockFairValue_637408826494111631" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableCommonStockFairValue_637408826494111631" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionsContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionsContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_637408826494111631" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionsContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_637408826494111631" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationMinimumDeductionFromNetRoyalties" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationMinimumDeductionFromNetRoyalties_637408826494111631" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationMinimumDeductionFromNetRoyalties_637408826494111631" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationApplicablePercentage" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationApplicablePercentage_637408826494111631" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationApplicablePercentage_637408826494111631" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationExcessNetRoyalties" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationExcessNetRoyalties_637408826494111631" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationExcessNetRoyalties_637408826494111631" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationCommonStockPercentageOfAggregateSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationCommonStockPercentageOfAggregateSharesOutstanding_637408826494111631" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationCommonStockPercentageOfAggregateSharesOutstanding_637408826494111631" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_PeriodForWhichRelatedPartyHasWorkedInERPSystems" xlink:label="xelb_PeriodForWhichRelatedPartyHasWorkedInERPSystems_637408826494111631" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="xelb_PeriodForWhichRelatedPartyHasWorkedInERPSystems_637408826494111631" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637408826494111631" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637408826494111631" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfessionalFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfessionalFees_637408826494111631" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfessionalFees_637408826494111631" order="13" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction_637408826494111631" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494101574" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction_637408826494111631" order="14" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41201 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494121634" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494121634" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_637408826494121634" order="1" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_637408826494121634" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_637408826494121634" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_Covid19Member" xlink:label="xelb_Covid19Member_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_637408826494121634" xlink:to="xelb_Covid19Member_637408826494121634" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494121634" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826494121634" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_637408826494121634" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826494121634" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_HalstonHeritageTrademarksMember" xlink:label="xelb_HalstonHeritageTrademarksMember_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_637408826494121634" xlink:to="xelb_HalstonHeritageTrademarksMember_637408826494121634" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_637408826494121634" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494121634" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionsContingentConsiderationAmount" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionsContingentConsiderationAmount_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494121634" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionsContingentConsiderationAmount_637408826494121634" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_AssetAcquisitionEarnOutContingentConsiderationRecorded" xlink:label="xelb_AssetAcquisitionEarnOutContingentConsiderationRecorded_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494121634" xlink:to="xelb_AssetAcquisitionEarnOutContingentConsiderationRecorded_637408826494121634" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease_637408826494121634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_637408826494121634" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease_637408826494121634" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
