<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
PAGE 41
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
EXTRACTED FROM CONE MILLS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DATED OCTOBER 1, 2000, AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(in thousands, except earnings per share data)
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000023304
<NAME> CONE MILLS CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-3-2000
<PERIOD-END> OCT-1-2000
<CASH> 1,707
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 53,139
<ALLOWANCES> 5,050
<INVENTORY> 109,849
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 169,570
<PP&E> 458,989
<DEPRECIATION> 252,286
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 467,869
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 160,222
<BONDS> 108,734
0
34,355
<COMMON> 2,550
<OTHER-SE> 119,352
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 467,869
<SALES> 468,499
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 468,499
<CGS> 414,259
<TOTAL-COSTS> 451,495
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (332)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> (16,536)
<INCOME-PRETAX> 800
<INCOME-TAX> 272
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 2,685
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 2,685
<EPS-BASIC> (0.01)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.01)
</TABLE>