Abstract: A disposable diaper having front and rear waist portions and comprising a liquid permeable topsheet; a liqid impermeable backsheet affixed to the topsheet; an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a crotch portion located intermediate the front and rear waist portions; a pair of side flaps; and crotch tensioning means associated with each of the side flaps. The absorbent core has oppositely disposed end portions and a pair of longitudinally disposed side edges therebetween. The crotch tensioning means further comprises one or more elasticized members extending from an attachment area in the crotch portion of the diaper, across the respective side flap, to a location longitudinally outside of the crotch portion. The crotch tensioning means thereby tend to impose outward lateral tension on the crotch portion of the diaper when in use.