The fluid intake rate of a tissue product having at least one hydrophobic exterior layer can be increased significantly by the addition of apertures through the hydrophobic exterior layer to the tissue product's hydrophilic interior layer. The apertures allow for fluid to be absorbed by the hydrophilic interior layer, while leaving the hydrophobic exterior layer dry to the touch. The size, number and spacing of the apertures can be controlled to manage the absorbent properties of the tissue product. In one embodiment, a three-ply tissue product has two exterior hydrophobic plies each having a plurality of apertures extending from the surface of both exterior plies through the plies to a hydrophilic interior ply.