In order to examine the problem of determining the mechanical characteristics of laminates with transverse matrix cracks without taking non-ideal transverse cracks into consideration, a representative volume unit (RVE) with a damage region of vanishing thickness is presented. Cracks in 90° ply should open under tensile stress and shut under compressive stress when subjected to external loading. There are two kinds of cracks: closed and open. Thus, based on the general series function form setting of the axial stresses of the laminates, this paper explores the type of closed transverse cracks in non-equilibrium laminates subjected to shear loading and establishes a general expression for the stress components of laminates satisfying the equilibrium differential equations of elastomers, the stress boundary conditions, and the conditions of continuity of the interlayer stresses. Emphasis and supplements are placed on the impact of various lay-up angles on the stress-strain of laminates with damage. The findings demonstrate that surface deformation analysis and strain energy analysis are used to evaluate the laminate's effective in-plane shear properties. We look into the coupling coefficients for the shear units in the flexibility matrix and tension cracks. The in-plane and inter-laminar stress distributions for various lay-up orientations of laminates that contain damage are provided.