AbstractA multifunctional and durable nanofiber‐fabric‐layered composite (NFLC) material was prepared by depositing electrospun Ag/PAN hybrid nanofibers onto a Nylon/cotton 50: 50 fabric substrate. The NFLCs showed excellent aerosol barrier efficiency and good air/moisture permeability. In addition, they showed excellent antibacterial efficiency by completely inhibiting the growth of both Gram‐negative E. coli and Gram‐positive S. aureus. The interfacial adhesion between the nanofiber layer and fabric substrate was significantly improved by atmospheric plasma pretreatment of the substrate. The resultant NFLCs showed excellent resistance to peeling, twisting, and flexing forces. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013