<Page>

                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-103664) and Form S-8 (No. 333-01225,
No. 333-31125, No. 333-36099, No. 333-36163, No. 333-57223, No. 333-83745,
No. 333-83747, No. 333-46472, No. 333-46476, No. 333-46626, No. 333-67944,
No. 333-67946, No. 333-90060, No. 333-90062, and No. 333-85196) of Hexcel
Corporation of our reports dated February 28, 2003, except for notes 2 and 8
which are as of March 19, 2003, relating to the financial statements and
financial statement schedule, which appear in this Form 10-K/A.


/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Stamford, CT
March 31, 2003