An absorbent structure in an absorbent article such as a diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing, bed protection and the like, formed from at least two superposed layers (5; 5") of one or more web-shaped absorption materials (5), said layers (5; 5") having different widths as seen in the transverse direction of the article. The absorbent structure (4) made of said layers has been compressed to a thickness which is substantially the same over the width of the structure, in such a way that the structure has a higher density in the areas thereof where the layers overlap each other and a lower density in other areas.