Abstract: An absorbent article (20) for proximate contact with a mammalian body adapted to receive a fluid containing discharge therefrom, includes an absorbent member (22) bearing a body-side cover (26) comprising a foraminous net (30) having a generally reticular network (32, 34) of polymeric filaments (36, 38). The net is comprised of two arrays of filaments oriented at a displacement angle ("a") in the range of 20.degree.-90.degree.. The cover is characterized by a basis weight of about 0.5-5.0 osy, a caliper of about 5-25 mils, an open area of about 30%-60% and a mesh of about 20-40. Individual filaments may have a size in the range of about 3-12 mils and may be superimposed or interlaid into the network.