Abstract: Fluid absorptive bodies for hygienic purposes or the like are formed consisting of an absorptive layer of hydrophil fibers, and a sheath formed at least in part of hydrophil fibers bound together by solid particles of thermoplastic. The hydrophil fibers of the sheath, at least in part, extend into the absorptive layer and the concentration of thermoplastic particles in the sheath decreases steadily from the exterior surface of the sheath to the interior of the absorptive layer. For the purpose of manufacturing such absorptive bodies, a process s preferably employed in which the inner surfaces of a mold corresponding to the contours of the absorbent body are coated with a layer of hydrophil sheathing fleece fibers and solid thermoplastic binder, the mold is filled with absorptive material, and the entire filling is heated, at least to the surface, to the binding temperature of the thermoplastic binder.