An elastic laminate for use as a tear resistant diaper side panel. The elastic laminate comprises an elastic substrate bonded to at least one layer of a tensioned spunbond nonwoven web comprising thermoplastic filaments comprising at least about 10% by weight polyethylene. The laminate is then incrementally stretched in the transverse direction to provide a service stretch greater than 100% and a strength ratio greater than 0.35. In one embodiment, the elastic substrate is bonded between the tensioned nonwoven webs by point bonding or hot melt adhesives. Also disclosed is a method for making an elastic laminate comprising the steps of providing at least one layer of a tensioned spunbond nonwoven web comprising thermoplastic filaments comprising at least about 10% by weight polyethylene, providing an elastic substrate, bonding the elastic substrate and the at least one layer of nonwoven web to provide an elastic laminate, and incrementally stretching the laminate in the transverse direction to provide a service stretch greater than 100% and a strength ratio greater than 0.35.