Absorbent article having fluid transfer layer

A disposable absorbent article having a fluid transfer layer with target insult zone and/or wavy cut edges can have a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core disposed at least partially therebetween, and a fluid transfer layer disposed between the absorbent core and the top sheet, wherein the target insult zone is provided in the fluid transfer layer and can be defined by a generally centrally located cut-out portion therethrough. At the target insult zone, the fluid passes through the cut-out portion into the absorbent core unimpeded by the fluid transfer layer. The fluid transfer layer and/or the cut-out portion defining the target insult zone can have at least one edge which can be cut in a specially designed pattern, for example, a wavy cut pattern, to provide improved aesthetics.