calicos

Calicos is a term used for two distinct topics in common usage: a tri-color pattern seen in some cats and a type of plain-woven cotton fabric. The word is not tied to a single breed or product, but to color and textile traditions that have been named in separate cultural contexts.

Calico cats describe a coat pattern that is white with patches of two other colors, typically orange and black. The coloration arises from genetic mechanisms linked to the X chromosome, making calico coloration strongly associated with female cats. Most calico cats are female; male calicos are rare and usually have a chromosomal abnormality such as XXY, which often comes with sterility. Calico patterns can vary in the amount and placement of white, orange, and black fur, and the term does not denote a particular breed or temperament.

Calico fabric refers to a lightweight, plain-woven cotton cloth that is often printed with small, repeating patterns. The name derives from Calicut (now Kozhikode) in present-day India, where such textiles were historically produced and traded. Calico cloth has been used for apparel, quilting, and crafts for centuries, and modern versions may be unbleached or printed in a wide range of colors and designs. In textile usage, calico is valued for its affordability and versatility, while in everyday speech it may also describe a general color style featuring light background with multicolored prints.