The effect of using thin plies to increase the bearing strength of composite laminates was investigated. Five different composite laminates were manufactured using a single material system with varying proportions of thin plies (100% thick-ply, 50% thin-ply and 100% thin-ply). Bearing tests were performed and the results from the tests are investigated. The results show that performance in terms of bearing strength at onset of damage, and ultimate bearing stress increase proportionally with the increasing amount of thin plies within the stack. Microscopic examination of the failure modes for all laminates was performed at the center of the hole to determine the dominant failure mode. Transition zone was investigated where both thin and thick plies were designed so that the thin plies are used only when more strength is required. © 2022 Loukil et al.