<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM ANVIL
HOLDINGS' FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN ITS FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY
PERIOD ENDED APRIL 29, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-03-2001
<PERIOD-START> JAN-30-2000
<PERIOD-END> APR-29-2000
<CASH> 3,767
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 34,108
<ALLOWANCES> 1,158
<INVENTORY> 40,037
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 80,066
<PP&E> 63,480
<DEPRECIATION> 30,719
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 142,716
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 28,426
<BONDS> 136,703
42,914
0
<COMMON> 39
<OTHER-SE> (71,504)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 142,716
<SALES> 59,124
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 59,124
<CGS> 41,944
<TOTAL-COSTS> 6,583
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 300
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 3,824
<INCOME-PRETAX> 6,473
<INCOME-TAX> 2,589
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 3,884
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 3,884
<EPS-BASIC> 4.74
<EPS-DILUTED> 4.74
</TABLE>