An absorbent article such as a diaper extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (80') and a transversal direction (90') perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and comprising a distribution layer (54) between a topsheet (24) and an absorbent core (28). The distribution layer comprises a fibrous material and a first and second longitudinally-extending channels (86a,b) substantially free of fibrous material. The fibrous material is profiled in the transversal direction so that average basis weight between the channels differs from the average basis weight in the lateral areas outward of the channels by at least 50 g/m2 and/or wherein the distribution layer comprises a first region having a first basis weight (bw1) and a second region having a second basis weight (bw2), wherein the first basis weight and the second basis weight differ by at least 20 g/m2, preferably by at least 50 g/m2, and these regions are present in different areas of the distribution layer but in the same longitudinally extending transversal section. The absorbent core may comprise channel-forming areas (26a,b). The article further comprises a backsheet (25).
