Disclosed are absorbent cores for inclusion in absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide improved fit and comfort for the wearer while adequately containing body exudates. The absorbent cores are designed to be relatively narrow in the crotch region of the article, even when the core absorbs significant amounts of fluid during use. To achieve this, the absorbent core is designed such that fluid is moved substantially from the crotch region to the front and/or rear regions of the article.The invention particularly relates to an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core wherein the absorbent core has a crotch width when dry and when wet of not more than about 7 cm, and wherein the crotch region of the absorbent core has a capacity of not more than about 40% of the absorbent core's total absorbent capacity.