Absorbent article having a pantlike pull down feature

An absorbent article which includes a front portion, a rear portion, a crotch portion which extends between and connects said front portion to said rear portion, and a pair of longitudinal side portions, said absorbent article comprising a pair of fastening means which are located along said longitudinal side portions of said absorbent article and which are configured to releasably connect said rear portion of said absorbent article to said front portion of said absorbent article to create a waist opening in said absorbent article and secure said absorbent article about a waist of a wearer when in use wherein each of said fastening means comprises:

• a) a primary fastener which is connected to said rear portion of said absorbent article and which is releasably engageable with said front portion of said absorbent article to secure said absorbent article about said waist of said wearer when in use;
• b) an expansion member which defines a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface and which includes an attached end which is connected to said rear portion of said absorbent article and a free end which remains unconnected to said rear portion of said absorbent article;
• and
• c) a secondary fastener which is connected to said free end of said expansion member and which is releasably engageable with said front portion of said absorbent article wherein said primary fastener is connected to said first surface of said expansion member at said attached end and said secondary fastener is connected to said second surface of said expansion member at said free end and wherein, in use, said secondary fastener is capable of remaining releasably engaged with said front portion of said absorbent article after said primary fastener has been disengaged from said front portion of said absorbent article to allow said waist opening of said absorbent article to expand such that said absorbent article can be pulled up or down over said wearer's hips.