The best ITA bag displays look like someone made a decision. They are not always the fullest. Here are the ideas we come back to when we set up our own bags, plus the practical limits of what fits where.
Pin layout ideas
One character, one story
The classic. Pick one character or one series and give them the whole window. Put the best pin in the centre and build outwards. Even eight pins look deliberate when they share a theme.
A colour run
Sort pins by colour and lay them in bands, warm at the top and cool at the bottom, or the other way round. It works brilliantly with a mixed collection that has no single theme.
The grid
Same-size pins in neat rows and columns. It suits round badges and sets, and it is the easiest layout to rebuild after you swap a pin.
The scene
Use food pins as a picnic, or travel pins as a map of places you have been. Leave some empty pad on purpose so it reads as a picture rather than a pile.
Whatever you choose, lay it out with the pad on a table first, and take a photo before you fasten the backs. Our ITA bag guide lists window sizes for each bag, and pin counts are based on 3 cm pins.
Where to hang charms
Charms add movement and depth, and they are where an ITA bag really starts to feel like yours. Most of our windows have D-rings at the top, so charms hang inside the window, protected and visible. Many bags also have rings, loops or zip clasps outside.
- 15″ Dual Window, navy: 27 attachment points (9 D-rings, 16 nylon loops and zip clasps). It is also the only bag in our range with D-ring clasps.
- 17″ 4-Way: 20 attachment points, inside the window and out.
- 18″ 4-Way in vegan leather: 18 attachment points (7 D-rings, 5 zip clasps and 6 loops).
- 15″ 3-Way in thick cotton: 11 attachment points (7 D-rings and 4 lobster clasp zips). Four of the D-rings sit in the pin window, and there is a key strap with a lobster clasp inside.
- ITA Switch Crossbody Bag (A5): 7 D-rings.
- 17″ corduroy tote: 3 D-rings.
A few charm tips: hang longer charms at the edges so they do not cover your best pins, mix one or two big statement charms with smaller ones, and check the clasps now and then. Charms on the outside of the bag get knocked about more than those in the window, so save the outside spots for the tough ones. Browse our bag charms for ideas.
Plush: what really fits
This is where it pays to be realistic. The display pocket is a slim space between the window and the bag, and how much room it has depends on how full the main compartment is.
- On most of our bags the front window holds small plush about 2 to 6 cm (0.8 to 2.4 in) deep. Flat plush, mini plush and plush badges are the sweet spot.
- The navy Dual Window is the plush bag. Its front window takes up to about 7 to 8 cm (2.8 to 3.1 in), because the pocket and the body give together, and the side window takes up to about 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 in).
If a plush is too chunky for the window, hang it outside instead. A plush keychain on a D-ring or loop looks great and does not squash anything. Pack the main compartment a little lighter on days when you want more plush in the window.
Swap it with the seasons
Some of our bags, including the thick cotton 3-Way, the navy Dual Window and the 17″ 4-Way, come with two pin pads. Keep one layout for everyday and build the second for a convention, a birthday or a new release. Swapping takes a minute.
Keep it looking good
- Use locking backs for your most precious pins.
- Do not crowd pin posts into one spot of the pad; spread them out so it stays flat.
- Take the pad out and dry it flat if your bag gets wet.
Looking for a bag to style? See the ITA bags collection or take the bag quiz on our homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put plush in an ITA bag window?
Small, flat plush, yes. Most of our windows fit about 2 to 6 cm (0.8 to 2.4 in) of depth. The navy Dual Window fits up to about 7 to 8 cm (2.8 to 3.1 in) in its front window.
Where do charms go on an ITA bag?
On the D-rings at the top of the window, or on rings, loops and zip clasps outside the bag. The navy Dual Window has 27 attachment points.
How do I make my ITA bag display look good with only a few pins?
Pick a clear theme, place your favourite pin in the centre, and leave space around it on purpose. A focused layout beats a crowded one.
Can I change my display easily?
Yes. The pin pad comes out, and some bags come with two pads so you can keep a second layout ready.