Abstract: Stress distributions around a no-lcadiing hole in composites is theore tically and experimentally investigated by the use of photoelastic-coating method. Governing equationa in the method are developed accerding to the essential principles in photoelasting method and the mechanies of composite. materials-Correction factors for unmatched Possion's ratios and coating reinforcement effects are added to the governing equations Experimental results for carbon fiber reinforced epoxy and glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites show that there exists good agreement between the experimental results and theoretical results introducing the correction factors to the unmatched Possion}s ratios It is also found that thereinforcement effect of the coatincs is very small and can be neglected.