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                                                                    Exhibit 99.2
    


                    [LETTERHEAD OF BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.]

   
                               November 17, 1997
    

We hereby consent to the inclusion in the Prospectus and Joint Proxy Statement
forming part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pillowtex
Corporation of our opinion attached as Appendix B thereto and to the reference
to such opinion and to our firm therein.  In giving such consent, we do not
admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission issued thereunder.


                                        Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.


                                        By:  /s/ Rick A. Lacher
                                             ----------------------------
                                             Rick A. Lacher
                                             Managing Director