Padded absorbent article

The present invention generally relates to absorbent garments. In particular, it relates to absorbent garments having a foam layer distributed throughout substantially all of the garment. An absorbent article having front and rear regions corresponding to the front and rear of a wearer, respectively, and a crotch region between the front and rear regions. The article generally has a backsheet, a topsheet overlaying the backsheet, and a foam layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. An absorbent core also is located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The foam layer preferably extends from the front region, through the crotch, and into the back region. The foam layer is attached to the article, while in a laterally extended position, in at least one of the front and rear regions thereby elasticizing at least one region.