The textile industry plays a fundamental role in the global economy, contributing significantly to employment and trade, especially in emerging countries. However, the environmental impact of textile production, particularly those arising from dyeing processes, has raised critical concerns. Although synthetic dyes have revolutionized the industry by offering a more comprehensive color range and improved color stability, their production and application have established substantial environmental challenges. In this context, the chemical composition of dyes, emphasizing the persistent use of dangerous substances, such as heavy metals and aromatic amines, which have harmful effects on ecosystems and human health, are discussed in this work. Another important factor that deserves attention is the ecological footprint of dyeing processes. Traditional dyeing methods often involve excessive water consumption, energy use, and discharge of harmful effluents into bodies of water. Therefore, it is essential to highlight emerging sustainable dyeing technologies, including waterless dyeing processes, innovative dye formulations, and renewable energy sources. These advances reduce environmental impact and increase resource efficiency in textile production. The present work also addresses the life cycle of dyes and textiles, emphasizing the importance of considering the entire life cycle to comprehensively assess environmental impacts and the importance of choosing dyes with a lower ecological footprint, e.g., natural dyes and pigments. The social dimension of sustainability is also explored, recognizing the impact of dyeing processes on the health and well-being of workers in the textile industry. Occupational exposure to harmful chemicals and inadequate safety measures are discussed, along with potential strategies to improve working conditions and ensure worker well-being. From a holistic perspective, regulatory and standards issues are discussed, emphasizing the need for more stringent guidelines to promote sustainable industrial practices. In this context, certifications such as OEKO-TEX and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) are duly addressed to encourage environmentally friendly and socially responsible approaches in the textile industry.