Exhibit 23






                           CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


          We consent to the  incorporation  by reference  in this Annual  Report
          (Form 10-K) of Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc. of our report dated January 30,
          1996, included in the 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders of Fieldcrest
          Cannon, Inc.

          We also consent to the  incorporation by reference in the Registration
          Statements (Form S-8, Nos. 33-44703,  33-59149,  and 33-44705 and Form
          S-3, No.  33-52325)  pertaining  to the Director  Stock Option Plan of
          Fieldcrest  Cannon,  Inc.,  the 1995  Employee  Stock  Option  Plan of
          Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc., the Stock Option Agreement between Fieldcrest
          Cannon,  Inc.  and  James  M.  Fitzgibbons  and  the  $3.00  Series  A
          Convertible  Preferred  Stock,   respectively,   and  in  the  related
          Prospectuses of our report dated January 30, 1996, with respect to the
          consolidated financial statements  incorporated herein by reference in
          this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1995.





                                ERNST & YOUNG LLP



          Greensboro, North Carolina
          March 28, 1996