Abstract: A sanitary napkin having a first transverse end and an opposite second transverse end defining therebetween a length and a plurality of varying widths along its length, the widths being perpendicular to the length, including; (i) a first width located substantially between ? and ½ of the length as measured from the first transverse, (ii) a second width located substantially from ? to ½ of the length as measured from the second transverse end, (iii) the first width being the maximum width of the absorbent portion, the second width being less than or equal to the first width; and (iv) a central region intermediate the first width and the second width, the central region having a maximum width that is less than or equal to the first width.