1. What does it mean?
잇템 shortens the English-inspired it item. It refers to something presented as especially stylish, coveted, or worth having, often in fashion, beauty, and shopping discussions.
Also written or said as ittem
2. The nuance
The must-have quality is social or promotional, not literal necessity. It can overlap with 꿀템, but 잇템 emphasizes desirability more than practical usefulness.
3. Examples
“잡지에서 올가을 잇템으로 소개한 가방이야.”
It's the bag the magazine presented as an autumn must-have.
“잇템이라고 해도 내 스타일이 아니면 안 사.”
Even if it's a trendy must-have, I don't buy it if it isn't my style.
Sources
References support the meaning and usage. Example sentences are written for NoCapWiki.