XHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  Registration  Statement of
Hyde Athletic  Industries,  Inc. on Forms S-8 (file numbers 33-50922,  33-61532,
33-66482, 33-80726, 333-33485) of our report dated March 26, 1998, on our audits
of the consolidated  financial  statements and financial  statement  schedule of
Hyde  Athletic  Industries,  Inc.  and  Subsidiaries  as of  January 2, 1998 and
January 3, 1997 and for the years  ended  January  2, 1998,  January 3, 1997 and
January 5, 1996 which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.




                                                                               
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.


Boston, Massachusetts
April 1, 1998