Abstract: An absorbent article for one-time use only, such as a disposable diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, panty protector or the like, includes at least one hose-like fold (20, 20', 21, 21') which extends in the transverse and/or longitudinal direction of the article. Mounted in the fold (20, 20', 21, 21') are mutually spaced elastic elements (32, 32', 33, 33') which are fastened to respective end parts (27, 27', 28, 28') of the fold on respective sides of fold lines (24, 25) which depart from the upper casing layer (1) of the article, although these elastic elements (32, 32', 33, 33') are freely moveable in the intermediate part (29, 29') of the fold.