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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8, pertaining to the Blair Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan, of
our report dated January 30, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Blair Corporation and Subsidiary incorporated by reference in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the related
financial statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


                                                           /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Buffalo, New York
July 20, 1998





















