An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion located between the front portion and the rear portion. The article includes an absorption member having an upper side intended to face a wearer during use of the article and a lower side intended to face away from the wearer during use of the article, and a stiffening element that, at least during use of the article, provides the article with a predetermined shape that enhances the fit of the article to the wearer's body. The stiffening element is secured to the lower side of the absorption member such that an outer side of the stiffening element faces away from the absorption member. The stiffening element includes a material exhibiting mechanical fastening properties at least on a part of the outer side of the stiffening element.
