Several metal oxide nanoparticles (MO–NPs), namely ZrO–NPs, ZnO–NPs, and TiO2–NPs, have been used to modify traditional finishing formulations to develop multifunctional cotton-containing fabrics. The fabrics used were cotton (100%), cotton/polyester blend (65/35) and cotton/polyester blend (50/50), which were treated with each finishing formulation using the pad-dry-cure technique. The imparted functional properties in the absence and presence of the nominated MO–NPs were evaluated. The positive effects of the incorporated MO–NPs in improving and/or imparting new functional properties, like easy-care, UV-protection, antibacterial functionality, water and oil repellency and flame proofing efficiency, were shown to be governed by the type of substrate and its cellulosic/polyester components, type of MO–NPs, finishing formulation components and mode of interaction between the active ingredients and active sites of the treated substrate. Tentative mechanisms were suggested, and the surface modification and composition of the selected fabric samples were analyzed using SEM and EDX. Future studies will further investigate the impact of incorporating the nominated MO–NPs with other active ingredients in the finishing formulation on the durability of fabric against washing, as well as on the change in other performance and physicomechanical properties