<?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#StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" 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#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" 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#DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetailsCalc2" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetailsCalc2" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebtAndContingentObligationsNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetailsCalc2" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtAndContingentObligationsNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetailsCalc2" 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#DisclosureDebtXcelTermLoanRemainingPrincipalPaymentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtXcelTermLoanRemainingPrincipalPaymentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebt" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebt" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtScheduleOfFixedChargeCoverageRatiosAndLeverageRatiosDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebtScheduleOfFixedChargeCoverageRatiosAndLeverageRatiosDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebtTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtXcelLoanNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureDebtXcelLoanNarrativeDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShare" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareAntiDilutiveSecuritiesExcludedDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareAntiDilutiveSecuritiesExcludedDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDilutiveEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareDilutiveEarningsPerShareDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTax" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTax" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeases" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureLeases" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureSignificantContracts" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureSignificantContracts" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureSignificantContractsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureSignificantContractsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquity" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityNonVestedOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityNonVestedOptionsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityStockOptionsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangibles" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangibles" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesAdditionalInformationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#DisclosureTrademarksAndOtherIntangiblesTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" />
  <calculationLink 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_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" />
    <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_637408826492105498" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637408826492105498" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492115523" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637408826492105498" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637408826492115523" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492115523" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637408826492105498" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_637408826492115523" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492115523" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637408826492105498" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637408826492115523" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492125551" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637408826492105498" xlink:to="us-gaap_InventoryNet_637408826492125551" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492125551" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637408826492125551" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492125551" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637408826492125551" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637408826492125551" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492125551" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637408826492125551" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637408826492125551" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492125551" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637408826492125551" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_637408826492125551" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492125551" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637408826492125551" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_637408826492125551" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492125551" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_637408826492125551" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637408826492125551" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" />
    <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_637408826492235847" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities_637408826492235847" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492235847" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637408826492235847" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826492235847" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492245872" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826492235847" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637408826492245872" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492245872" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826492235847" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_637408826492245872" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492245872" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826492235847" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_637408826492245872" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492245872" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826492235847" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_637408826492245872" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492245872" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826492235847" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637408826492245872" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492245872" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637408826492235847" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637408826492245872" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492245872" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637408826492245872" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637408826492245872" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637408826492245872" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637408826492255900" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637408826492245872" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637408826492255900" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637408826492245872" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_637408826492255900" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637408826492235847" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_637408826492255900" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="1" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826492255900" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="1" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826492255900" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterest_637408826492255900" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="3" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826492255900" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637408826492255900" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="3" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637408826492255900" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637408826492255900" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637408826492255900" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637408826492255900" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637408826492255900" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_637408826492255900" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492255900" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637408826492255900" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637408826492255900" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink 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_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_637408826492265921" order="1" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637408826492265921" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_637408826492265921" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="1" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637408826492265921" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_GrossProfit_637408826492265921" order="1" use="optional" weight="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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_GrossProfit_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637408826492265921" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_GrossProfit_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_637408826492265921" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826492265921" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_637408826492265921" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_637408826492265921" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637408826492265921" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637408826492265921" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492265921" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637408826492265921" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses" xlink:label="xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses_637408826492275950" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826492265921" xlink:to="xelb_GovernmentGrantReductionOfExpenses_637408826492275950" order="6" use="optional" weight="-1" 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_637408826492275950" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_637408826492275950" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492275950" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_637408826492275950" order="8" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492275950" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_637408826492275950" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492275950" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_637408826492275950" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492275950" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_637408826492275950" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637408826492275950" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492275950" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_637408826492275950" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637408826492275950" order="2" use="optional" weight="-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_637408826492275950" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637408826492265921" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637408826492275950" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink 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_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_1ce4b89e-fa52-7101-5bea-622168a4559a" />
    <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_637408826492275950" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_1ce4b89e-fa52-7101-5bea-622168a4559a" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637408826492275950" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492275950" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_1ce4b89e-fa52-7101-5bea-622168a4559a" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_637408826492275950" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_9743d583-dfae-6ae9-f133-a1e331df792c" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_9743d583-dfae-6ae9-f133-a1e331df792c" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637408826492285978" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637408826492285978" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_637408826492285978" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_637408826492285978" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637408826492285978" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_637408826492285978" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_637408826492285978" order="7" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="3" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637408826492285978" order="8" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_GainOnReductionOfContingentObligations" xlink:label="xelb_GainOnReductionOfContingentObligations_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="xelb_GainOnReductionOfContingentObligations_637408826492285978" order="9" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_637408826492285978" order="10" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_637408826492285978" order="11" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpensesOther_637408826492285978" order="12" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_637408826492285978" order="13" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidRent_637408826492285978" order="14" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492285978" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_637408826492285978" order="15" use="optional" weight="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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_637408826492296000" order="16" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637408826492285978" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_637408826492296000" order="17" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_9743d583-dfae-6ae9-f133-a1e331df792c" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637408826492296000" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637408826492296000" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets_637408826492296000" order="1" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637408826492296000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets_637408826492296000" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637408826492296000" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_637408826492296000" order="3" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_9743d583-dfae-6ae9-f133-a1e331df792c" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637408826492296000" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637408826492296000" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_637408826492296000" order="1" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637408826492296000" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_637408826492296000" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637408826492296000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_637408826492296000" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492296000" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637408826492296000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_637408826492296000" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492306025" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637408826492296000" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_637408826492306025" order="5" use="optional" weight="-1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink 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_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_e52879aa-5fc1-863a-9bc7-07b154238ef5" />
    <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_637408826492306025" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_e52879aa-5fc1-863a-9bc7-07b154238ef5" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_637408826492306025" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492306025" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_e52879aa-5fc1-863a-9bc7-07b154238ef5" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_637408826492306025" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_af012273-e8ee-655c-daa2-86b96989d377" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_af012273-e8ee-655c-daa2-86b96989d377" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_637408826492306025" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492306025" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_af012273-e8ee-655c-daa2-86b96989d377" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_637408826492306025" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_637408826492306025" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_637408826492306025" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492306025" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_637408826492306025" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_637408826492306025" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetailsCalc2" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40402 - Disclosure - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) Calc 2" 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_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_9AB7F302A7764699DEDCB7C9BEB75C10_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" />
    <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_637408826492306025" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_9AB7F302A7764699DEDCB7C9BEB75C10_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637408826492306025" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492306025" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_9AB7F302A7764699DEDCB7C9BEB75C10_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637408826492306025" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive" xlink:label="xelb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637408826492306025" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_9AB7F302A7764699DEDCB7C9BEB75C10_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" xlink:to="xelb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637408826492306025" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492306025" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_9AB7F302A7764699DEDCB7C9BEB75C10_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637408826492306025" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492316053" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_9AB7F302A7764699DEDCB7C9BEB75C10_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637408826492316053" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492316053" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_9AB7F302A7764699DEDCB7C9BEB75C10_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637408826492316053" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.xcelbrands.com/role/DisclosureDebtAndContingentObligationsNetCarryingAmountOfDebtDetailsCalc2" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40501 - Disclosure - Debt and Contingent Obligations - Net Carrying Amount of Debt (Details) Calc 2" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="xelb-20200930.xsd#xelb_LongTermDebtAndContingentObligations" xlink:label="xelb_LongTermDebtAndContingentObligations" />
    <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_637408826492316053" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="xelb_LongTermDebtAndContingentObligations" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_637408826492316053" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink 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_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" />
    <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_637408826492316053" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637408826492316053" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492316053" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_33A278FB2A32534B83D5AB8144C0337D" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637408826492316053" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492316053" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637408826492316053" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637408826492316053" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <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_637408826492316053" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637408826492316053" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637408826492316053" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink 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_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <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_637408826492316053" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_637408826492316053" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" 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_637408826492316053" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_637408826492316053" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink 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_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <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_637408826492326082" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_637408826492326082" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492326082" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_637408826492326082" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <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_637408826492326082" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_637408826492326082" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" 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_637408826492326082" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_637408826492326082" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
</link:linkbase>
