Delta Apparel Declares Dividend Payment

DULUTH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 17, 2003--Delta Apparel, Inc. (AMEX: DLA) announced that on January 16, 2003 its Board of Directors declared a dividend of five cents per common share of stock.

The dividend is payable February 17, 2003 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 5, 2003. This dividend is pursuant to the Company's previously announced quarterly dividend program, adjusted in connection with the 2-for-1 stock split that was effective on September 20, 2002.

Delta Apparel, Inc. is a vertically integrated manufacturer and marketer of high quality knit apparel. The Company specializes in selling undecorated T-shirts, golf shirts and tank tops to screen printers, private label accounts and distributors. Delta Apparel has operations in six states, two company-operated sewing facilities in Honduras and one company-operated sewing facility in Mexico. The Company employs about 3,200 worldwide.

CONTACT:
Delta Apparel, Inc., Duluth
Herb Mueller, 678/775-6948

Released January 17, 2003