Abstract: A permanently flame-retardant and anti-microbial air-textured yarn is formed of a plurality of substantially longitudinally extending, permanently flame-retardant filaments defining a core, and a plurality of substantially randomly extending, permanently anti-microbial filaments disposed at least about the core, the anti-microbial filaments at least partially defining a boucle-like sheath about the core. A knit or woven fabric formed with the yarn and having at lease 5% by weight of the anti-microbial filaments is characterized by an ability to pass, both after one commercial laundering and after 100 commercial launderings, both National Fire Protection Agency vertical flame retardancy test NFPA 701-1989 and at least the 85% reduction level of gram positive and gram negative bacteria of anti-microbial test NYS 63.

Abstract: Pieces of soft luggage made from a particular fabric, and a method of making pieces of soft luggage using the fabric, and the particular fabric. The walls of the luggage are formed by a fabric which comprises a laminate including an outer layer, a lining layer, and a middle layer sandwiched between the outer lining layers. The outer layer comprises a fabric with a raised effect weave with the raised yarn of the weave a highly abrasion resistant yarn and the ground yarn a distinct spunlike yarn. The outer layer may be cross-dyed so that the raised and ground yarns are of different colors. The middle layer provides a water resistant barrier and provides a desired body and stiffness and dimensional stability to the laminate, and preferably is a solid film of polymeric material. The lining layer preferably comprises a fabric having textile-like hand, appearance and softness, such as NEXUS fabric.