A method of producing a stretch laminate exhibiting reduced defects from a mechanical activation process can include providing a nipping member. The nipping member can have a first nip region and a non-nip region adjacent to the first nip region. A first substrate and an elastic element are provided to the nipping member. The first substrate and the elastic element are joined in a face to face relationship with adhesive therebetween, thereby creating an intermediate laminate. The intermediate laminate has a first tack down region and an activation region adjacent the first tack down region. A portion of the first tack down region passes through the first nip region, and a portion of the activation region passes through the non-nip region of the nipping member. The activation region of the intermediate laminate is mechanically activated, thereby creating the stretch laminate.