The present invention relates to a tampon (1) having an insertion end (11), a withdrawal end (14) and a tampon body in between whereby said tampon body essentially consists of liquid absorbing material and has an outer circumferential surface which is provided with longitudinal grooves (4, 4′) that are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs (3, 3′), wherein at least one tampon groove (4) is defined an outer longitudinal path (2) on the surface of the tampon that diverges from the longitudinal path of the groove below the surface of the tampon. It also relates to a press, press jaw and process for its manufacture.