<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Cone Mills
Corporation consolidated financial statements dated October 1, 1995, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-01-1995
<CASH>                                             752
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   84,868
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,000
<INVENTORY>                                    148,068
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               239,588
<PP&E>                                         448,834
<DEPRECIATION>                                 193,045
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 571,763
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          128,285
<BONDS>                                        161,822
<COMMON>                                         2,738
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                     38,395
<OTHER-SE>                                     193,176
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   571,763
<SALES>                                        690,856
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               690,856
<CGS>                                          589,491
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  654,343
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              10,539
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 17,719
<INCOME-TAX>                                     9,091
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              8,628
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,628
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .24
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .24