A simple disposable absorbent article including a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis includes laterally opposing side flaps formed by laterally inwardly folded portions of the chassis and deployable chassis ears formed by other laterally inwardly folded portions of the chassis. Each chassis ear is held laterally inwardly folded until being deployed by being released and unfolded laterally outward so as to project laterally outward beyond the adjacent side flap. Fastening elements may be disposed on at least two of the chassis ears, the fastening elements being adapted for fastening the front waist region to the back waist region to encircle a waist and legs of a wearer. The chassis may be extensible. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern to the chassis to allow portions of the chassis underlying the absorbent assembly and lying outside the cruciform attachment pattern to extend laterally.