The present disclosure includes cellulosic fiber barrier layer having a hydrophobic sizing to cause the barrier layer to exhibit hydrophobic properties. For example, the present cellulosic fiber barrier layers can be configured to have a high hydrostatic head (e.g., more than 200 mm H20) while retaining a high air permeability (e.g., 0.5 ft3/min-ft2). The present disclosure also includes laminates (e.g., a breathable backsheet assembly) including one of the present cellulosic fiber barrier layers and a nonwoven support layer positioned beneath and coupled (e.g., bonded) to the barrier layer, such that the laminate is configured to exhibit desirable liquid-barrier performance (e.g., pinhole-free performance at 400 mm H20 for 10 minutes, and/or the like). The present disclosure also includes disposable absorbent garments including at least one of the present cellulosic fiber layers and laminates (e.g., including one of the present laminates as a backsheet for the disposable absorbent garment).
