A method of packaging a diaper for an aesthetically pleasing appearance to a consumer includes: disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement; creating a vacuum state within an interior space defined by the encasement; sealing the encasement such that the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and such that the compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and pressing the encasement containing the diaper with a smooth surface such that the encasement includes a substantially smooth planar face. The pressing of the encasement occurs after vacuum-sealing of the diaper.