Fibre quality is an important consideration for Australian cotton farm profitability and industry credibility in the world marketplace. Recent significant issues relating to fibre quality in the industry include maintaining fibre length, prevalence of high micronaire, and the perception of high levels of neps. Fibre development responds directly to the environment, crop management and stresses. Understanding clearly the reasons why these fibre quality issues persist, and why they differ for regions, seasons and for different crop management practices can aid in developing management guidelines. This paper presents a brief summary of: the physiology of fibre development and impacts of agronomy and environmental influences that change the growth of the fibre; consequences of different fibre propeties that are changed in the field and the consquences for textile production; some general recommendations for agronomic management for preserving fibre quality; and a discussion of current dedicated research to further this knowledge and deliver it to benefit the industry.