With the rapid popularization of electronic equipment, the problems of electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic pollution follow, so the design of high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbing materials is imminent. Electrospun nanofiber composites have become a research hotspot because of their unique advantages such as light weight, large flexibility, easy processing and strong compatibility. It is expected to meet the technical requirements of "thin, light, wide and strong" microwave absorbing materials. This paper first introduces the absorbing principle of electromagnetic wave absorbing materials, and then summarizes the research progress of electrospinning technology in absorbing materials, including the composites of electrospun nanofibers and metals and their oxides, carbon materials and conductive polymers, carbides, as well as the applications in multilayer absorbing materials. The advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of composites are summarized. Finally, the development trend of electrospun nanofibers in the field of microwave absorption and the problems that should be paid attention to are prospected.