<p>Functional finishes are applied to cotton fabrics to enhance high-performance properties suitable for a wide range of potential applications. This study reviews a diverse array of functional finishes currently employed, including antimicrobial, UV-protective, self-cleaning, anti-crease, flame-retardant, and water- and oil-repellent finishes with a focus on strategies of click chemistry. Methods of traditional finishing and drawbacks are assessed. Future research should focus on the chemical modification of cellulose, which is often necessary to achieve enhanced functionality for textile applications. With the industry’s shift towards sustainability, functional finishes are poised to transform cotton textile applications by providing solutions that integrate safety, high performance, and environmental responsibility. Click chemistry approaches have revolutionized cellulose functionalization, offering environmentally sound alternatives to conventional modification methods. It’s considered one of the available functionalization strategies. The aforementioned strategy has emerged as a prominent and versatile approach for functionalizing cotton-based textiles with specific properties. The objective of this review is to explore the up-to-date potential applications of click-chemistry-based approaches for modifying cotton fabric, offering an alternative to address the drawbacks of conventional modification methods.</p>