Unlike traditional material structures, the design of composite structure requires consideration of more parameters, and involves a more complex design space. By utilizing superior intelligent optimization algorithms, it is possible for us to get a better design effectively. In this paper, a Suboptimal individuals Retaining Differential Evolution algorithm (SNDE for short) is proposed according to the characteristics of optimization design of composite laminated structure. In SNDE, Good-point set technique is introduced to initialize the individuals which aims to improve distribution of the initial population; and in order to overcome the problem of individuals concentrating and diversity deteriorating, a new niche mechanism for enhancing the diversity of population is proposed. An optimization design example of composite drive shaft was conducted to check the performance of different algorithms and it was seen that the SNDE achieved the optimal result.