Suitable fibers for use as staple fibers in the nonwoven fabrics of the present invention include synthetic staple fibers such as, for example, monocomponent polyolefin fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or olefin copolymers; "side-by-side fibers comprising two layers of polymer (e.g., a polypropylene side and a polyethylene side); and "sheath-core fibers comprising two annular layers o