A disposable absorbent article, including cohesive material side panels is presented in a protective underwear style to the user. The user may don the article in the same manner as a brief style undergarment or may tear the side panels and don the article in the same manner as a diaper by cohesively attaching the torn side panels. Optionally, the users may don the article in the same manner as a brief or protective underwear style article, tear at least one side panel and adjust the sizing of the side panel by cohesively reattaching the torn side panel.