Composite materials are widely used in aerospace thanks to their high strength-to-weight ratio, but traditional symmetric and balanced laminates may limit their full potential. This research explores Non-Conventional Stacking Sequence Laminates (NCSSLs), an innovative design strategy that breaks symmetry rules to optimize performance. By varying the number and orientation of plies, including bundles with the same fibre orientation and using traditional fibre orientation outer bundles, NCSSLs aim to reduce weight while maintaining impact resistance, particularly Compression After Impact (CAI) strength. Experimental testing combined with numerical simulations has shown that these novel stacking sequences achieve mechanical performance comparable to conventional laminates while enabling potential weight savings. The results open the door to more efficient composite structures, offering a compelling alternative for applications where every gram counts, such as aerospace and advanced mobility. The project receives funding from the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 101101974.