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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
this registration statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Dan River Inc. 2000
Long-Term Incentive Plan and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated February 4, 2000, except for the last paragraph in Note 14, as to
which the date is March 1, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Dan River Inc. incorporated by reference in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 1, 2000, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


May 5, 2000