The application relates to a process for forming a nonwoven composite. The process includes forming a lofty nonwoven layer, obtaining a thermoplastic polymer, and applying the thermoplastic polymer to the second surface of the nonwoven layer, where the thermoplastic polymer is in the form of a molten polymer, semi-molten polymer, or solid film. Next, pressure and optionally heat is applied to the nonwoven layer and thermoplastic polymer, where the thermoplastic polymer and the second surface of the nonwoven layer are subjected to a textured surface forming a plurality of peak regions and a plurality of valley regions in the second surface of the nonwoven layer and embedding a portion of the primary fibers from the nonwoven layer into the thermoplastic polymer within the valley regions. The thermoplastic polymer is cooled forming a thermoplastic film and the nonwoven layer which together form the nonwoven composite.