A few months ago, I opened a box that was meant to contain garbage bags and found, instead, a Calico Critters* Family Seven-Seater, a British-looking mini-van driving along the oceanside with a bunch of rabbits peeping out the windows. My wife was sure it was haunted and urged me to repackage it immediately and send it back! Neither of us had ever even heard of the Calico Critters, but, according to the lesbian movie canon, idyllic European seaside settings are not fertile ground for goodtime gay fun. I, however, was completely enamored. I wanted to keep the Family Seven-Seater and fill it up with as many Calico Critters as I could get my hands on. A quick Google search revealed SO MANY CRITTERS. Cats and rabbits and bears and otters and giraffes and donkeys and sheep and who even knows what all.
Stacy finally convinced me to send back the Seven-Seater, but Calico Critters were suddenly everywhere. They landed in my TikTok inbox (Thank you, Valerie Anne), and then on my FYP. They popped up in YouTube’s recommended videos. Even my retro video gaming subreddit was suddenly flush with Critters. I knew it was a sign. These Critters were trying to tell me something — but what? And then, one night, as I was drifting off to an ASMR video of a woman gently whispering while stroking the Midnight Cat Critters with a tiny paintbrush, I realized something. These Calico Critter dads were all lesbian fashion icons! I already owned half the clothes and accessories they were wearing, and a quick search of Wildfang revealed near-matches of the other half of their wardrobes.
And so now I am doing what I have been called to do — creating a Style Thief for these legendary Calico Critter fits. You’re very welcome.
* Calico Critters are Sylvanian Families in the UK where they were born, and also in Australia
Billy the Goat, a Gay With a Message
1. Eden Twill Pants ($138)
2. Peach Plaid Pro Signature Performance Dress Shirt ($23)
3. Timbuk2 Flight Classic Messenger Bag ($99)
Billy, the mail person of Cloverleaf Corners, is looking sharp in a plaid button-up and navy slacks, with a Timbuk2 — the go-to performance delivery sack of messengers and cycling commuters for three decades — slung over the shoulder.
Bruce the Koala, Your Friendly Neighborhood Plaid Dad
1. The Essential Drawstring Short ($68)
2. Liberty Short Sleeved Retro Sport Shirt ($69)
Bruce, the leader of the Cloverleaf Corners Environmental Awareness Society, is ready to save the planet in style with this comfy classic tomboy shirt and short combo.
Kyle the Otter, Sapphic Sea Swag
1. Lesbos Print Short Sleeve Shirt ($80)
2. REI Co-op Sahara Amphib Shorts ($50)
Kyle the Sea Otter, Cloverleaf Corners’ resident swim teacher, is making a splash in a short-sleeve button-up that pays homage to the magical island of Lesbos, with bold sketches of Sappho and Skala Erressos set against a cerulean backdrop.
Theo the Cat, Bowtie Tabby
1. The Essential Windowpane Short-Sleeve Button-Up ($78)
2. Mom Jeans ($55)
3. Casual Brown Leather Belt ($15)
4. Salmon Linen Bow Tie ($13)
Theo doesn’t just look smart in this professorial paraphernalia — with leather belt for added butch confidence! Theo is smart! Everyone in Cloverleaf Corners calls up Theo when they need directions, and Theo is happy to straighten that bow tie and set them on the right path!
Arthur Cuddle Bear, Coverall King
1. The Essential Overall ($126)
2. Brown Linen Bow Tie ($13)
3. Fishes Print Short Sleeve Shirt ($80)
Arthur is the mayor of Cloverleaf Corners, and this outfit says Arthur is ready to get to work. The Essential Overall has SIX pockets, and various straps that can double as a tool belt. The bow tie and button-up elevate this everyday workwear into something a little more fancy.
Harlin Hopscotch Rabbit, Mr. Peter Tartantail
1. The Emperor Drawstring Pant ($108)
2. Orange Gingham Stretch Fit Oxford ($89)
Harlin is an event planner who bakes bread for fun. Whether prepping for a wedding at the Sweet Raspberry Home or kneading the way to a spot in the Great British Bake Off tent, Harlin’s hopscotch fit is both fun and functional, with pops of electric color!
pls pls pls look up @sylvaniandrama on tiktok for the BEST calico critter stories/lesbian dramas
No wonder I was once so obsessed with Calico Critters…
I was so relieved when I got to the disclaimer that these WERE just Sylvanian families I thought I was losing my mind. I love these dudes! Mine were like multiple couples with DOZENS of adopted non-species marched babies between them because the babies could be bought individually and were the most affordable for my pocket money. I think I myself am a Harlin Hopscotch (new quiz idea?)
Same! Long moment of confusion that someone had ripped off Sylvanian Families/I had remembered my own childhood incorrectly then huge relief…
There’s an entire shop that is only and all Sylvanian Families not too far from mine that I came upon all unexpected taking a walk one Sunday – it was so much fun peering in the window and sending overexcited texts to my sister.
OVERALLS WITH BOW TIES
i could not ever, never. but i am now on the lookout for this everywhere.
WHY NOT MSANON
Always a fantastic feeling when you find out about something you never knew you needed!!!
Very much in love with Kyle and the homage to Skala Eressos, my home away from home.
Laughed so hard at this article and appreciate Heather’s dedication to knowing their roles in the community 😆Loved Calico Critters growing up!
Our daughter wanted Calico Critters families for her 5th birthday. We bought two, swapped the hedgehog mom’s and cat dad’s clothes, carefully placed them back in the packaging, and voila, two gay-ass Calico Critters families.
I can confirm that Sylvanian families are queer culture. We even had 2 of the squirrel family on top of our wedding cake.
good information about the outfits. But, my favorite outfit is using the sweatpant and hoodie of the Gallery Dept Official brand.
Cactus Jack Hoodie – a must-have for every streetwear enthusiast. Designed in collaboration with the iconic Travis Scott, this hoodie blends high fashion with urban edge.