PURPOSE: To obtain an absorbing composite fabric comprising a water-permeable first layer of fibrous material having a weight of 15-40 g/m2 and a water- absorbing fibrous second layer.

CONSTITUTION: This fabric is an absorbing composite fabric for use as or in absorbent products such as wound dressings. The fabric comprises a light and water-permeable hydrophobic first layer 2 of nonwoven fibrous material having a weight of 15-40 g/m2 and bonded by hydraulic entanglement to a water- absorbent nonwoven fibrous second layer 3. The fabrics are applied to wounds or burns with the hydrophobic first layer in contact with the wound. Exuded liquid from the wound passes through the water-permeable hydrophobic first layer 2 ad is absorbed in the fibrous second layer 3. The surface of the first layer 2 remains dry and non-adherent to the wound. A method of manufacture of absorbing composite fabrics by hydraulic entanglement is also discribed.