Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, having an improved topsheet that provides improved skin comfort as well as superior fluid handling characteristics. Such absorbent articles comprise a main body portion preferably comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The main body portion has longitudinal edges and lateral edges. The topsheet has a central zone and a pair of end zones extending laterally outwardly from and contiguous with the central zone. The topsheet comprises a nonwoven outer layer and an apertured thermoplastic film layer. The nonwoven outer layer has an opening positioned in the central zone.