Abstract: A sanitary napkin for placement in a crotch portion of an undergarment of a wearer having a longitudinal axis and being further characterized by having at least one preferential bending zone extending obliquely in relation to the longitudinal axis. The preferential bending zone may be created by mechanically embossing the surface of the sanitary napkin to locally densify the absorbing materials of the article. The preferential bending zone causes the sanitary napkin to resist lateral compression forces exerted by the thighs of the wearer and thereby prevents bunching of the article on the undergarment. The preferential bending zone also enhances fluid distribution by channeling the fluid away from the point of contact. The advantages of the present invention are increased efficiency of the sanitary napkin in collecting bodily fluids and greater comfort for the wearer of the napkin, particularly when the napkin is thin.