Processes for fabricating selectively permeable laminates are provided. In one process, continuous chitosan film is prepared by casting a chitosan solution directly onto a substrate that will be incorporated along with the film into a laminate. Alternatively, the chitosan solution is cast onto a work device (for example, such as glass or a polymer film), dried, detached, and then incorporated into a laminate in a separate step. In various embodiments, the laminates are useful for fabrication as a protective article and are substantially impermeable to hazardous chemical and biological agents, but sufficiently permeable to water vapor that, if worn as protective apparel, it is both protective and comfortable to wear.