This paper presents a novel adaptive control for a class of nonlinear switched systems by introducing a sufficient condition for stabilization. Based on the possible instability of all sub-systems, a variable structure (VS) switching rule with an adaptive approach and sliding sector was offered. Moreover, the stability condition of the system can be determined by solving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to ensure asymptotic stability. The application of H∞ analysis of nonlinear switched systems was also investigated through the design of the mentioned adaptive control system and defining a VS switching rule. Finally, simulation results were presented to validate the novelty of the proposed method.