The present invention discloses and claims an absorbent article which utilizes an adsorbent portion that includes polyamide wicking yarns, polyamide fibers, and/or polyamide fabrics with or without non-wicking yarns, fibers, or fabrics as part of the absorbent portion such that liquid is wicked to selected regions of the absorbent portion. The present invention may also include non-wicking yarns or fibers or non-woven fabrics that are primarily non-wicking cellulose. The wicking rate and fluid capacity of the polyamide wicking yarn, polyamide fibers, and/or polyamide fabrics change with the ratio of polyamide wicking and non-wicking fibers including cellulose fibers. Further, the absorbent portion may be a blend of polyamide wicking yarns, polyamide fibers and/or polyamide fabrics with non-woven wicking fabrics and/or non-wicking cellulose yarns, fibers, or fabrics.