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
            January 1, 2005 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: February 7, 2005

                                             /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.