A composite article may comprise a plurality of fibers. Each one of the fibers may have upper, lower and side surfaces. The fibers may be embedded within a matrix. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces of at least one of the fibers may include a notch region and a pair of side regions on opposite sides of the notch region. The plurality of fibers may be arranged in layers. At least one of the fibers of one of the layers may be received within the notch region of at least one of the fibers of another one of the layers.