An absorbent article such as a diaper or an incontinence protector, comprising at least one liquid storage region (2, 3) with high absorption capacity and at least one wicking layer (4) which overlaps at least a substantial part of the liquid storage region and which has greater liquid dispersion ability than the storage region. The wicking layer (4) is intended to disperse liquid collected locally in the article over the liquid storage region (2, 3). The aim of the invention is to improve liquid dispersion in absorbent articles. The invention is characterised in that liquid-impermeable portions (5, 6) are arranged at separate places in the article along sections of overlapping parts of the wicking layer (4) and the liquid storage region (2, 3) in order to prevent the transfer of liquid over said parts from the wicking layer to the storage region. The liquid impermeable portions (5, 6) are placed in such a way that liquid from at least one initial accumulation place in connection with wetting of the article is first dispersed in the wicking layer (4) along said portions separated from the liquid storage region (2, 3) and thereafter is dispersed further in the liquid storage region at a distance from said accumulation place.