Over the past few years, there has been enormous attention on the use of different innovative surface modification methods for the production of textile surfaces with novel properties. In view of the ecological and economic restrictions imposed on the textile industry, the use of high energy irradiation methods has become more accepted as methods for modification of textile materials. Enhanced wettability, dyeability, printability, color fastness, hydrophilicity, and effective antimicrobial activity, etc. are among some new remarkable properties obtained on different textile materials. They offer a new alternative to conventional wet processing technologies and have the advantages of low energy use, being easy to handle, and high treatment speed. They possess the potential to activate textile surfaces and hence enhance functional group accessibility without affecting other bulk properties. The present review summarizes the state of the art of different irradiation-based technologies such as gamma, ultrasound, plasma, and ultraviolet used for sustainable coloration and functional finishing of different textile materials. Finally, the advantages and future studies regarding the use of irradiation technologies in functional modification of textiles are also outlined.