According to one embodiment, an absorbent article to be worn about a wearer has a front portion and a back portion. The absorbent article includes an outer layer, an inner layer that is substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, an absorbent layer and one or more fasteners, which are located on the back portion of the absorbent article. The absorbent layer is interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer to form the absorbent article. The outer layer has a central portion between two side portions. The central portion of the outer layer is treated with a chemical to substantially inhibit attachment of the one or more fasteners to the central portion of the outer layer. The one or more fasteners secure the back portion to the outer layer of the front portion. Specifically, the one or more fasteners are configured to secure the back portion to a region of the outer layer which is not treated with the chemical.