A detailed analysis of the simple shear experiments on rolled metal sheets is undertaken, in view of their optimization. The shear strain and stress heterogeneities eventually due to the free ends effect are investigated, as well as the best way to prevent premature failure, by choosing an adequate shape and clamping of the specimen. Finally, the application of these techniques to various rolled metal sheets, illustrates the ability of simple shear experiments to characterize the strain-induced plastic anisotropy both under monotonous and Bauschinger-type loadings. This is particularly relevant for the identification of constitutive models involving large strain isotropic and kinematic hardening.