Due to inadequate recycling systems and the complex nature of textile products, each year, millions of tonnes of textile waste end up in landfills or are incinerated globally. This paper seeks to highlight the advancements in sustainability for textile materials, focusing on cotton and polyester, and analyse their respective recycling methods to identify strategies for reducing the annual production of textile waste. Environmental issues raised by textile materials are also considered, such as the non-biodegradability of polyester and the large amount of freshwater used in cotton production. This study examines innovative materials that can substitute traditional fibres, such as organic cotton and bio-based polyesters, highlighting their role in reducing the environmental impact of textile production. Additionally, the paper evaluates various recycling methods for these fibres and their effectiveness in managing textile waste. It was analysed that there has been a fivefold increase in publications of textile recycling from 2011 to 2021, reflecting rising global interest and progress. The trend towards sustainable fashion, embraced by many brands, highlights an increase in customer demand for eco- friendly choices and aims to minimise the industry’s environmental impact. Conclusively, further research must optimise technology to develop new sustainable materials while simultaneously maintaining an affordable price to encourage the purchase of these products among consumers.