The aim of the present paper is to define guidelines for the appropriate selection of the optimal geometrical characteristics for different aluminum extruded profiles based on the ultimate load carrying capacity as well as the post-collapse deformed shape of stiffened panels. A series of finite element analysis has been conducted for stiffened aluminum panels subjected to uniaxial compressive load; the master model has been validated based on full-scale experimental test results. The effect of open and closed section dimensions on the ultimate compressive capacity has been investigated. The analyses are performed for several cross-sections classified in groups, all with the same plate and column slenderness. The numerical results obtained are compared with the design capacity according to European standard for aluminum structures, Eurocode 9. Based on the comparative analysis, several concluding remarks ad recommendations which are benefit both design and repair strategies are summarized, and a criterion has been proposed for selecting the best cross-section considering both load carrying capacity and cross-section weight.