EXHIBIT 32.1


            CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
          18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF
                         THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


For purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Robert W. Humphreys, the Chief Executive Officer
of Delta Apparel, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certifies that to the best of his
knowledge:

         1.       The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
                  ended September 27, 2003 of the Company, as filed with the
                  Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the
                  "Report"), fully complies with the requirements of section
                  13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

         2.       The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in
                  all material respects, the financial condition and results of
                  operations of the Company.


Date: October 31, 2003.                      /s/ Robert W. Humphreys
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Robert W. Humphreys
                                             President & Chief Executive Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by section 906 has been
provided to Delta Apparel, Inc. and will be retained by Delta Apparel, Inc. and
furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.