Disclosed herein are monofilament fibers and staple fibers comprising at least one polymeric resin and at least one coated filler, wherein the at least one coated filler has an average particle size of less than or equal to about 3 microns, and wherein the at least one coated filler is present in an amount of less than or equal to about 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the monofilament fibers. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing monofilament fibers, staple fibers, webs, and fabrics comprising adding ground calcium carbonate to at least one polymeric resin and processing the resulting mixture.