An absorbent article has received a patent. It comprises a main body portion with an ability to absorb and retain a liquid; a front support member extending forward beyond a front edge of the main body portion; and a rear support member extending rearward beyond a rear edge of the main body portion. The rear support member is separate from the front support member, wherein the individual front and rear support members produce an elastic contractive force in a stretched state. The individual front and rear support members are provided with means for securing each support member to the skin of a wearer and the front support member has a rear end that is joined to a garment surface of the main body portion. The rear support member has a front end that is joined to the garment surface of the main body portion and is spaced a distance rearward from the rear end of the front support member. The rear end of the front support member and the front end of the rear support member are both located in a region ahead of a transversely extending centerline of the main body portion, and the rear support member behind the front end is not joined to the garment surface of the main body portion.