Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper or an incontinent brief having indicia means provided for aiding an individual fitting the article to a wearer to obtain optimal waist fit and leg opening fit. Indicia means are provided in an area at least coextensive with a part of an area to which fastening means are affixed to the article when the article is fitted to a wearer. Indicia, as used herein are any type of lines, patterns, ornamental designs, symbols, script, color codes, or other markings which have the capability, either inherently or with additional denotation, to aid an individual fitting the article to promptly locate a desired affixation point for a particular fastening means.

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.