The extension of the simulation of composite forming to the three-dimensional case of thick woven reinforcements brings to light new modeling challenges. The inability of the 3D continuous model to take into account the local stiffness of the fibers can be highlighted. An improved modeling approach is proposed by including additional curvature-related internal loads in the 3D element. The approach, based on a rotation free formulation, is efficient. The enhancement is shown in the case of a three point bending test and a hemispherical forming process.