Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the resistance to pile loop extraction of terry fabrics regarding the pile height and impact/finishing. Design/methodology/approach – Fabrics are manufactured by changing the pile height and applying impact/finishing procedures. The resistance to pile loop extraction are determined. The factorial designs are made. For informative experiment the linear type of regression are analysed. Yarn pull-out behaviour in terry fabrics is discussed. Findings – The dynamics of yarn pull-out process in terry fabrics is estimated through the force-pulling distance curves presented. The resistance to pile loop extraction is determined. All statistical analysis is performed. Appropriate conclusions about the influence of fabrics structure and impact/finishing on yarn pull-out process are made. Originality/value – The study developed analysis and empiric mathematical equations suitable for evaluating and designing fabrics with the resistance to pile loop extraction ability required. Assessment of the influence of fabric's pile height and impact/finishing on the yarn pull-out is proposed.