The existence of pure and uncoupled distortional buckling of closed cross-section columns under axial compression is investigated. This type of global buckling mode has thus far been unrevealed, obscured by numerous local buckling modes. The displacement components are generalized by introducing the two concepts of orthogonal functions and distortional parameters. The elastic buckling load with distortional mode is obtained analytically and expressed in a simple formula. It is important to note that the pure distortional buckling modes often become predominant, showing the lowest critical loads.