In an example, a composite stringer is described. The composite stringer includes a skin flange having a first gage, a top flange having a second gage, and a web having a third gage and extending between the skin flange and the top flange. The skin flange is configured to be coupled to a support structure. The support structure includes at least one of a skin of a vehicle or a base charge. The second gage of the top flange is greater than the first gage of the skin flange and the third gage of the web. The skin flange, the top flange, and the web include a plurality of plies of composite material.