World of warcraft question?

i'm a 85 ret pally with a 306 item level and i need to get to 329 or w/e to get into the heroics. but the problem is when i check in atlas loot all the gear for me its worst than what i have and i cant get into heroics. do i have to wear the gear for it to effect my item level or can it be in my bag, because i gotta find some way to get into heroics.