EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 33-37556, No. 33-93896 and No. 333-31813 of The Wet Seal, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated March 12, 1999, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Wet Seal, Inc. for the year ended January 30, 1999. Deloitte & Touche LLP Costa Mesa, California April 26, 1999