<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE FORM 10-Q OF ANVIL HOLDINGS, INC. FOR
THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-03-2001
<PERIOD-START> JAN-30-2000
<PERIOD-END> OCT-28-2000
<CASH> 12,228
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 26,788
<ALLOWANCES> 1,177
<INVENTORY> 49,356
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 90,441
<PP&E> 63,562
<DEPRECIATION> 32,300
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 150,762
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 30,788
<BONDS> 133,381
45,927
0
<COMMON> 39
<OTHER-SE> (67,612)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 150,762
<SALES> 165,688
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 165,688
<CGS> 116,703
<TOTAL-COSTS> 18,986
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 875
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 11,142
<INCOME-PRETAX> 17,982
<INCOME-TAX> 7,193
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 10,789
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 10,789
<EPS-BASIC> 14.32
<EPS-DILUTED> 14.32
</TABLE>