EXHIBIT 23.3



                        Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements 
of Pillowtex Corporation (Form S-8 Nos. 33-65408, 33-84624, 33-81478 and 
333-39191) of our report dated January 31, 1997, with respect to the 
consolidated financial statements of Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc. for the year 
ended December 31, 1996 included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for 
Pillowtex Corporation for the year ended January 3, 1998.


                                                 /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                                 Ernst & Young LLP


Greensboro, North Carolina
April 2, 1998