Abstract: An absorbent composite has a low capacity region and a high capacity region in planar relationship to the low capacity region, where the high capacity region comprises between 1% and 10% by weight elastomeric polymer fibers and between 60% and 98% by weight superabsorbent material with respect to that region, and where the low capacity region comprises at least 10% by weight elastomeric polymer fibers and less than 10% by weight superabsorbent material. In some embodiments, the absorbent composite can further comprise additional regions. The regions are substantially joined by intermingling of the elastomeric polymer fibers between the regions, to form a generally unitary, stratified absorbent composite. The absorbent composite can be utilized in an absorbent article, the result of which is an absorbent article that exhibits improved performance as well as greater comfort and confidence among the user.