Microfocus X-ray diffraction can be used in a scanning acquisition mode to image a fibre reinforced composite material in terms of a range of different parameters. This includes microstructural information, as well as detail of emerging stress fields around open hole geometries. In this study, the in situ deformation of a cross-ply laminate specimen is investigated. The results show a number of interesting phenomena related to stress transfer in such systems. This includes stress concentrations in fibres adjacent to the open hole and local shear forces acting upon fibres perpendicular to the deformation axis. In addition to imaging the sample, the technique also allows a number of mechanical parameters to be estimated. This includes transverse strain and longitudinal stiffness. Using isotropic elasticity theory, the stress concentration tangential to the open hole can be determined analytically. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.