Patented is a disposable absorbent article that defines a front and rear waist section and an intermediate section, which extends between and connects to the waist sections. The article contains a pair of laterally opposed side edges and longitudinally opposed waist edges and a longitudinal and a lateral direction. A liquid-impermeable extensible outer cover, a liquid-permeable bodyside liner and an absorbent body are located between the extensible outer cover and the bodyside liner. The outer cover defines a longitudinal breathability gradient ratio of approximately 1.25 when subjected to a Product Deformation Test and is configured to provide a permanent deformation of approximately 17% when subjected to a tensile force of 100gmf per inch (per 2.54 cm) of width according to a Material Elongation and Deformation Tensile Test.