a method of individually packaging an absorbent article and attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment including the steps of providing a tri - folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion , providing a pouch containing the tri - folded absorbent article , opening the pouch to thereby expose a garment - facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article .