<p>Electrostatic discharge (ESD), the sudden release of static electricity, causes severe hazards across various industrial sectors including electronics, aerospace, automotive, and explosives, where it can cause catastrophic fires, explosions, or irreversible damage to equipment. Workers in such environments are also susceptible to to static charge buildup, further increasing the prospect of ESD events. Textile finishing has advanced significantly to address these concerns by developing antistatic textiles with functional properties, particularly electrical conductivity and durability. These textiles are engineered using various conductive materials such as carbon-based materials, metallic fibers and nanoparticles, and conductive polymers. Coating methods comprise sol–gel, dip coating, plasma coating, and electrospraying etc., while each method offers different advantages in imparting conductivity to textiles. However, durability and sustainability remain critical challenges in the performance of antistatic textiles. The integration of biodegradable conductive materials, green solvents, and energy-efficient processes offers environmental friendly solutions, while ensuring strong adhesion to textile substrates. In spite of existing evaluation protocols, limitations exist, as current national and international testing standards to assess electrical behavior often fail to fit them in real-world applications. This review highlights recent developments in antistatic textiles, emphasizing coating strategies, durability, testing methodologies, and sustainable approaches aimed at enhancing their environmental and practical performance.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>