This study describes an investigation on the absorption characteristics of alginate wound dressings. The fluid that is absorbed by the dressing is divided into that which is held inside the fiber in the fiber structure and that which is held between the fibers in the textile structure. A number of dressings with different fiber structure and textile structure were studied and their effects on the absorption characteristics of the dressings were analyzed. It was found that a significant part of the absorption took place inside the fiber structure, in addition to the liquid held between fibers in the textile structure. High M alginate and high G calcium/ sodium alginate fibers absorbed more fluid into the fiber than high G calcium alginate fiber, resulting in a better gelling ability. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 953-957,2004.