Identical twins have a number of distinctions. Only 25% of their features are similar. Here is what you should look for when trying to distinguish twins.
1. Height:
Many identical twins are not always the same height. One may be taller while the other is shorter. I know a number of twins with who are of varying and noticeable heights.
2. Hair:
Hair may differ among identical twins. There may be one specific feature of hair which differs the twins. Hair twirls, hair styles and colour are some things people should look for. As twins get older, their hair preferences do change and are visibly different.
3. Moles/Birthmarks:
Marks on the body also are good ways of distinguishing identical twins. One twin may have a noticeable mole or birthmark, the other twin may not have.
4. Left Handed/Right Handed:
Identical twins could be easily distinguished by their writing skills. You rarely find twins who are both right handed or left handed…unless they have been taught and trained otherwise.
5. Belly Buttons:
Umbilical Cords are not always cut in the same way. The belly buttons of identical twin babies may thus differ. Parents will be able to this tell them apart when unclothed.
6. Scars:
Scars also are used to tell apart their children. Those who had chicken poxes will exhibit scars. Many also develop scars from accidents.
7. Head Structure:
Many identical twins also have different head structures. One may have a rounded head which looks bulky, while the other has a thinner face.
8. Clothes:
For those who visit, colour coded clothes are helpful, especially when twins are at an infant stage. People would associate each twin with colour and name.
9. Voices:
Voices are different, especially when they cry. Parents, family and friends will need to listen carefully to find distinctions.
10. Name Tags/Bracelets:
Keep bracelets from hospitals, as they will help parents until both babies are acquainted with.
Re Item #2: The Olsen twins (pictured) are fraternal–not identical–twins. FYI.