Abstract: Woven, non-woven and knitted fabrics containing at least 1% by weight of specialty fibers formed from high molecular weight polymers of alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids, alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated aliphatic sulfonic acids and the hydroxyalkyl esters and glycidyl esters of these acids which are cross-linked at a cross-linking density of from about 1 cross-linkage per from about 40 to about 100 repeating monomeric units of the homopolymer are capable of absorbing up to about 40% by weight of the moisture without loss of mechanical strength and other textile properties. These fabrics have anti-static properties. Sheer fabrics are useful for stockings, panty hose, underwear and the like.