EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Board of Directors
Delta Apparel, Inc.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-61190) pertaining to the Delta Apparel, Inc. 2001 Stock Option
Plan and Delta Apparel, Inc. 2001 Incentive Stock Award Plan of our report
dated August 2, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Delta Apparel, Inc. included in the annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended June 29, 2002.

                                    Ernst & Young LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
August 28, 2002