Abstract: An absorbent article is curved in a saucer like shape in the transverse direction. The absorbent article offers not only a better fitting and feeling product to the wearer, but also has better flow characteristics. The article is formed by having an absorbent core that is made from multiple strips of absorbent material arranged in a stepwise manner so as to form a gradient. These strips may be of uniform or varying width and maybe made from a combination of one or more suitable material types.