In a competitive world with technology constantly changing, it is important that breeders have clearly defined fiber quality objectives. The objective of this research was to evaluate the differences in fiber properties needed for open-end spinning in contrast with that needed for conventional ring spinning. Three experiments were conducted using genetically different cottons produced in replicated studies and comparing their spinning performance as determined by miniature open-end and ring spinning methods. In the first study 19 cultivars which were grown in South Carolina and Mississippi with two planting dates each were compared. Yarn tenacity of 14 and 22 N open-end and 20 and 50 N ring spinning were determined. The second experiment consisted of 29 cultivars and strains grown at two environments, and the third experiment consisted of 23 species polycross selections from one environment. Yarn tenacity was determined for 26 N open-end and 22 N ring spinning for the last two experiments. The association between open-end and ring spinning methods was high, with r² ranging from 80 to 95%. The single most important fiber characteristic associated with either open-end or ring spinning yarn tenacity was 1/8" gauge stelometer bundle strength (T(1)). Fiber fineness and length also interacted with T(1) to produce higher yarn tenacity. These results indicate that the fiber characteristics which are most important for ring spinning are also most important for open-end spinning, at least for yarn counts of 26 and under.