Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult mcontinence devices, and the like which have side flaps are disclosed. The absorbent articles having side flaps are provided with gathered portions that can expand to relieve stresses on the flaps when the flaps are wrapped around the curved side edges of a wearers undergarment. A releasable wrapper is also disclosed which covers adhesive fasteners on the garment-facing side of said absorbent article and provides an individual package for the sanitary napkin.
