An improved barrier cuff for disposable absorbent articles such as a diaper is disclosed. A diaper has a liquid-pervious liner, a liquid-impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the liner and backsheet, and elastically contractible leg cuffs. The cuff has a proximal edge and a distal edge and is disposed adjacent margins of the disposable diaper and defines a waste containment pocket with the backsheet and liner frontsheet. The cuff being made of an embossed plastic film having a pattern of stretched and unstretched regions. The plastic film provides ultrasoft cloth-like and quiet material for use as a cuff in comparison to known plastic film or laminates. Leakage prevention and comfort to the user are increased because the body exudates are less capable of leaking out of the absorbent article prior to absorption into the core and the wearing comfort is provided by the ultrasoft cuff.