Ita Bags Are It

Fashion is an amazing outlet for self-expression. But unless you’re a crafty person, you’re probably not making your own clothes or accessories. So, when a relatively easy way to create unique accessories emerges, it’s not surprising that it becomes popular.

Ita bags are a style of handbag or backpack. They start with a bag that has a clear section on the side or back. From there, it’s up to you to fill it with pins, stickers, or plushies of your choice.

This style originated in Japan in the 2010s. Ita bags are especially popular within anime and manga fandoms because they essentially let you create the ultimate piece of merch for your favorite character or series.

While most people choose to customize their own bags, you can also buy pre-made ones. This has sparked some debate in certain circles.

What is the line between following trends and expressing individuality? Half the fun of ita bags is designing them around a specific color, theme, or character you love. So, is it really the same when someone else does all the work for you?

Fashion isn’t a rigid, rule-bound space. As mentioned earlier, most of us don’t make our own clothes or accessories. There’s no shame in owning a piece crafted by someone more skilled or experienced than you.

When you see an ita bag, your first thought is usually about how interesting it looks—not who made it. There’s no right or wrong in fashion. Even if you don’t make the bag yourself, it still reflects passion and personality.

So, whether you’re a maximalist looking for a statement piece or a fan wanting to showcase your love for a favorite character, an ita bag could be the perfect way to do it.