Abstract: The invention relates to a press felt which is in the shape of an endless belt and which has opposed side edges. The lateral direction of the belt extends between the side edges, and the longitudinal direction extends perpendicular to the lateral direction. The felt comprises an open-mesh base fabric woven of a plurality of synthetic filaments extending in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, and at least one batt of staple fibers needled thereto. In accordance with the invention, at least some of the filaments extending in the lateral direction are monofilaments having a flattened cross-section, the long axis of the flattened cross-section lying in a plane parallel to the plane of the fabric.