Disclosed is a shaped article comprising a continuous oriented thermoplastic polymer matrix having dispersed therein microbeads of a polymer which are at least partially bordered by void space, the microbeads being present in an amount of about 5%-50% weight based on the weight of said oriented thermoplastic, said void space occupying about 2%-60% by volume of said shaped article. Preferably, the microbeads are cross-linked to an extent they will be resilient and elastic at the orientation temperature, and are coated with a slip agent. The shaped article is preferably in the form of a sheet, fibers, or other molded article, and preferably has a relatively low specific gravity and whiteness.