A penetration-resistant article is provided comprising two or more layers of woven fabric. The layers of woven fabric each comprise a first series of fibers aligned in a first direction and a second series of fibers interwoven with the first series of fibers and aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Two or more layers of woven fabric are loosely stacked together so as to permit relative slippage therebetween and are rotationally offset by an offset angle selected so as to inhibit mechanical interference between opposing adjacent surfaces of the woven fabric layers during slippage therebetween. Also provided are methods for assembling penetration-resistant articles.