Abstract: An absorbent article (10) includes a longitudinal axis (30) and a lateral axis (32). The absorbent article (10) is a pant that includes a front region (12), a back region (14) and a crotch region (16) disposed between the front region (12) and the back region (14). The crotch region (16) is formed by an absorbent assembly (34). In addition to the absorbent assembly (34), the absorbent article (10) includes a front panel (57) and a back panel (61); the front panel (57) is attached to a front region of the absorbent assembly (34) and the back panel (61) is attached to a back region of the absorbent assembly (34). The front panel (57) and the back panel (61) include a softened material layer (205). The absorbent article (10) has a waistband that provides a custom fit and is soft and comfortable during wear, such that irritation to the skin is reduced or eliminated.