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