<ARTICLE>         5
<LEGEND>
This Schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Balance Sheets of Designs, Inc. as of November 1, 1997, November
2, 1996 and February 1, 1997 and the Consolidated Statements of Income for 
the three, nine and twelve months ended November 1, 1997 and November 2, 1996
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000

       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                              FEB-2-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                NOV-1-1997
<CASH>                                           2,402
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                      358
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     82,849
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               104,816
<PP&E>                                          71,184
<DEPRECIATION>                                  32,979
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 148,984
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           52,559
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           160
<OTHER-SE>                                      90,838
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   148,984
<SALES>                                        197,472
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               197,472
<CGS>                                          167,771
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  167,771
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                63,982
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 664
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (34,851)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (14,333)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (20,331)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (20,331)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (1.30)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0