Modifying fruit distribution through varying plant density may impact cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber quality. This study was conducted to determine how yield components and fiber quality of cotton may be manipulated through plant density. Two cotton cultivars were over seeded and hand thinned to 3.6, 9.0, 12.6 and 21.5 plants m-2 at two University of Georgia experiment stations in 2001 and 2002. At crop maturity the plots were hand harvested and ginned by fruiting position. Lint samples were delivered to Cotton Incorporated (Cary, NC) for fiber quality analyses. Whole-plant and within-boll yield components were determined. Fiber quality was also determined at each fruiting position.