An absorbent garment includes a chassis having first and second layers and an elastic core sandwiched therebetween. The chassis defines front and rear body panels each having elastic regions exhibiting a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10% when elongated 80% for a period of 30 minutes at 37.degree. C. and 60% relative humidity and then allowed to relax under a zero applied force. An absorbent composite is coupled to the chassis.