A disposable absorbent garment has an elastic inner layer having an interior surface for facing a wearer of the garment, and an exterior surface. The elastic inner layer has an elongate opening therein disposed at least within a crotch region of the garment, and is stretchable in at least a lateral direction of the garment. An outer layer of the garment is in opposed relationship with the elastic inner layer and is stretchable in at least the lateral direction of the garment. An absorbent assembly is secured to the elastic inner layer between the elastic inner layer and the outer layer and is sized larger than the opening of the elastic inner layer for underlying substantially the entire opening. The absorbent assembly is stretchable in at least the lateral direction of the garment for lateral stretching thereof in response to lateral stretching of the elastic inner layer.