Abstract: An absorbent article useful for wearing in the crotch portion of an undergarment is disclosed. The article has an absorbent structure disposed between a liquid-pervious, body-facing surface and a resilient, liquid-impervious, controlled-deformation shell. The shell has a pair of lateral sides, a garment-facing surface and a peripheral edge. Proximate the peripheral edge of the shell, there is a body-gasketing portion. The shell also has means for adjusting the length of the garment-facing surface and lateral sides. Thus, the garment-facing surface and lateral sides can expand or contract to relieve stresses induced by curving the article while allowing the body-gasketing portion to remain substantially free of folds and gaps.