The intent of this paper is to investigate the mechanics of delamination growth in an isotropic, ideally-brittle layered material under an impact load and to present guidelines for the design of more energy absorbent structures. Using a finite element model, both two- and three-layered configurations are considered. Prompted by the results from this model, closed-form solutions for the interlaminar shear strength and the interfacial fracture toughness corresponding to maximum energy absorption are derived for the two-layered laminate. These solutions were used to develop guidelines for the optimal design of two- and three-layered laminates.