A process for producing a deformed nonwoven is described. The process includes the steps of: adjusting a water content of a nonwoven such that the nonwoven has at least one area having a water content of at least about 12% by weight of the nonwoven in the area, and subjecting the nonwoven to a mechanical deformation process. The deformation process is a mechanical deformation of the nonwoven and dewatering of the nonwoven to obtain a deformed nonwoven.