This paper examines the possibility of performing a combined micro-meso approach to model transverse matrix failure within the bundle structure for non-crimp fabric composites. Failure initiation sites are predicted considering the discrete bundle structure, its volume fraction and fibre volume fraction within bundles, as well as the triaxial stress state built up from the combined contributions of mechanical loading and thermal/chemical shrinkage due to curing at elevated temperature. An analytical expression for average strain in a bundle with simplified geometry is used to link the micro- and meso length scales. The work presented here is intended to give further guidelines in the creation of a black-box modelling tool, which utilises traditional laminar analyses for non-crimp fabric composites consisting of layers having “effective” ply properties.