Abstract: A stretchable absorbent garment having a fluid-pervious inner layer, an outer layer, and an absorbent structure located between said inner and outer layers, and at least two generally parallel elastomeric strands stretch bonded to the garment along its length such that when in a relaxed state, all of the above described elements are reduced in length.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of providing a liquid-pervious bodyside layer, a liquid-impervious outer layer, a stretchable layer, and an absorbent layer; forming the layers into a configuration designed generally to fit conformably to the body; stretching the stretchable layer; bonding the stretched stretchable layer to the other layer; releasing the bonded layer; and forming a plurality of rugosities in the bodyside layer, outer layer, and absorbent layer upon relaxation of the stretchable layer. Apparatus for practicing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The stretchable undergarment comprises a liquid-previous bodyside layer, liquid-impervious outer layer, an absorbent layer, and a stretchable layer. The stretchable layer is stretch-bonded to the other layers and, upon relaxing the stretchable layer forms a plurality of rugosities in the bodyside layer, outer layer, and absorbent medium. The bonded layers are of a generally trapezoidal shape and have a front end portion that diverges toward a rear end portion, wherein the front end portion is from about 20% to about 90% of the width of the rear end portion, and the rear end portion is about 20% to about 60% of the length of the bonded layers.