The aim of this study research is to present the idea of the level of the research the research being done in the area of eco-friendly dyeing of cotton. This research discusses cotton and its polymer structure at first and then the properties of cotton fiber. This paper also briefly describes the terminology of dyeing. It is followed by the consequences of dyeing and its hazards on the environment. The technological development for the reactive dye structure, dyeing machines, dyeing process, chemical modification and alternative dyeing auxiliaries have also been discussed. Prog. Color Colorants Coat. 9 (2016), 61-70 © Institute for Color Science and Technology.