A method for manufacturing a profiled element made of composite material including a step of obtaining a preform and a step of placing at least one pigmented layer on the preform, the pigmented layer including at least one pigmented film and at least one support structure having a knitted structure. Because the knitted structure is flexible, it is possible to obtain profiled elements with complex geometries. A profiled element obtained from such a method and a stiffened panel comprising at least one such profiled element are also provided.