Wet Seal was an American fast fashion retailer that specialized in selling clothing and accessories for young women. Founded in 1962 in Newport Beach, California, the company initially operated under the name "Lorne's" before rebranding to Wet Seal in 1990. The name "Wet Seal" was inspired by a comment made during a fashion show, where a model wearing a bathing suit was said to look like a "wet seal."
At its peak, Wet Seal operated over 500 retail stores across the United States, including the Wet Seal, Arden B, and Blink by Wet Seal brands. The stores primarily targeted teenage girls and young women, offering a range of apparel, accessories, and footwear. Wet Seal was known for its trendy and affordable fashion, competing with other fast fashion retailers like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe.
In addition to its physical stores, Wet Seal also operated an e-commerce website where customers could purchase their products online. However, the company faced financial difficulties and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2017, leading to the closure of its stores and liquidation of its assets.
Despite its closure, Wet Seal's legacy continues as some of its products can still be found in thrift stores and online marketplaces. The brand's influence on the fast fashion industry and its impact on young women's fashion remains notable.