EXHIBIT 23.1








                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                         -------------------------------




To the Board of Directors
Pillowtex Corporation:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements
(number 33-81478) on Form S-8 of Pillowtex Corporation of our report dated June
21, 2002, relating to the statements of net assets available for benefits of
Pillowtex Corporation 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees as of December 31, 2001
and 2000, the statements of changes in net assets available for benefits for the
years then ended and the related supplemental schedule as of December 31, 2001,
which report appears in the December 31, 2001 annual report on Form 11-K of the
Pillowtex Corporation 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees.



/s/  KPMG LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
June 26, 2002