Demand for higher quality textile products and new manufacturing technologies are forcing a reorientation of cotton fiber properties. The impact of fiber strength, fineness, length, and cleanliness in ring, rotor, and air-jet spinning in discussed. Larger quantities of U.S. cotton below 4 Micronaire, yet mature, and with strength levels above 28 g/tex have to be made available. Additional fiber properties need to be assessed on HVI lines. Incentives must be provided to breed and to gin cotton for quality, not only for yield.