Disposable absorbent article having a garment-like appearance

A disposable absorbent article which defines a first side portion, a second side portion, and a longitudinal centerline between said side portions, said absorbent article comprising:

• a) an outer cover which defines a length, a pair of laterally opposed side regions, a pair of longitudinally opposed waist regions, and a crotch region which extends between and connects said waist regions, said outer cover comprising a first side panel which is located in said first side portion of said absorbent article and a second side panel which is located in said second side portion of said absorbent article wherein an edge of said first side panel is connected to an edge of said second side panel to provide a seam which extends along said longitudinal centerline between said side portions of said absorbent article and wherein said seam on each of said side panels defines a "U" shape when said side panel is in a laid flat configuration;
• and
• b) an absorbent insert which is connected to said outer cover, wherein each of said side panels of said outer cover further comprises a first fastener which is located on one of said waist regions and a second fastener which is located on said opposite waist region and wherein said first fastener and said second fastener on each of said side panels are releasably engageable together.