AbstractShort glass fiber‐epoxy laminates of controlled fiber orientation and distribution were loaded to failure under uniaxial tension. The mechanical characteristics of specimens with different orientation patterns, which were determined experimentally, were compared with analytical predictions based on “Laminate Analogy” methods. Results show good agreement between empirical data and prediction in the case of stiffness, stress‐strain relationship and strength based on ultimate strain criteria. A methodology is proposed according to which a well‐defined, orthotropic, short fiber reinforced plastic system can be prepared, analyzed, and optimized by tailoring it according to the loading pattern in a similar manner to that of the well‐established, continuous fiber reinforce