Abstract: The invention provides stretch fabrics and articles from the fabrics comprising at least a region consisting of a single thickness of the fabric. The fabric comprises synthetic bicomponent polymer filaments, wherein the fabric has been calendered on at least one surface thereof to obtain a chintzed appearance. The fabric has an air permeability of less than 6 cubic centimeters per second per square centimeter, (cm3/cm2/sec), at 10 millimeters water gauge pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a garment comprising at least a region consisting of a single thickness of a fabric comprising synthetic polymer filaments, wherein the fabric has been calendered on at least one surface thereof and the fabric has an ultraviolet protection factor as determined according to AATCC Test Method 183-1999 of at least 30. The invention also provides a layered fabric comprising a layer of the above fabric to provide UV protection and a layer of a second fabric or film such as a material that is sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. The invention also provides a process to prepare an ultraviolet light protective fabric comprising the steps of: forming a fabric from one or more multifilament yarns and calendering the fabric; followed by measuring the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of the calendered fabric by AATCC Test Method 183-1998.