This paper assesses the optimal arrangements of thin hybrid unsymmetric laminates in order to maximize the buckling loads, varying both fibre orientation and geometrical dimensions. First-order shear deformation theory in conjunction with the Rayleigh-Ritz method has been used to determine the critical buckling load of simply supported, flat hybrid laminates under in-plane and shear forces. A numerical analysis enables us to find both the influence of shear force, varying mechanical and geometrical parameters of the laminates, and advantages furnished from the hybridization, by comparison with results relative to non-hybrid laminates.